I’m an evolutionary biologist with a broad interest in disease ecology and the underlying mechanisms explaining how animals cope with disease.
 
My broad scientific interests are in evolutionary ecology, focusing on the evolution of life histories and animal ecophysiology. My research line aims to understand the ecological and evolutionary causes of parasitism, exploring anti-parasitic defense mechanisms and their roles in evolutionary trade-offs.
 
Key words: avian ecology, ecological immunology, behavioural ecology, evolution of life-histories, host-parasite interactions,
 
Ecoimmunology lab: our lab integrates evolutionary concepts with functional assays of immune function in wild birds. We use molecular methods to detect pathogen infections, and a suite of lab assays to measure immune parameters, including ELISA, agglutination assay, haptoglobin assay. We also use molecular methods (PCR, qPCR) and light microscopy to determine infectious status and perform leukocyte profiles.
 
Teaching: I teach courses at Master and Undergraduate levels, including Evolution of Life Histories, Parasitology, Morphological Adaptations.
 
Student supervision: Each semester I supervise several undergraduate or graduate thesis, with topics focusing on the interphase between evolutionary ecology and avian physiology. Get in touch if you are interested in pursuing a project with us.