I am an evolutionary biologist, interested in evolutionary novelties with a focus on marine invertebrates. With my research, I try to understand how animal diversity arose and the pathways that led to complexity of forms. I use molecular tools and computational approaches to address questions related to evolution of eyes, cnidocytes and symbiotic lifestyles across cnidarians (jellyfish, corals, and anemones). CV | scholar |
EyesThough they look simple, some cnidarians have surprisingly elaborate eyes with lenses. And they also use a protein that form the basis of other animal visual systems. With molecular tools, phylogenetics, and experimental approaches, we can investigate how visual proteins and eyes evolved in these organisms.
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SymbiosisCorals and their photosynthetic symbionts are fundamental builders of reef ecosystems. To understand how these symbiotic systems evolved, we need to gain a better understanding of the relationship between symbionts and their host corals.
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CnidocytesOne of the most fascinating novelties of cnidarians are their stinging cells. These cells are unique to the group, but they can be incredibly diverse. They produce the cnidocysts and not only serve as models for studying origins of new cell types, but also inform us about cnidarian evolutionary relationships.
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