Image credit: Karim Iliya / Kogia
Early career researchers
Meet the PhD students, postdocs and fellows involved in BIOcean5D.
Hover over their pictures to learn more about their work.
WP1: Filling the marine biodiversity knowledge gap
Mukeshkumar Bhendarkar
PhD student
AZTI, Spain
Netaji Subhas-ICAR International Fellowship
PhD student
AZTI, Spain
Netaji Subhas-ICAR International Fellowship
Fisheries ecology
PI: Naiara Rodríguez-Ezpeleta
Netaji Subhas-ICAR International Fellowship (NS-ICARIF)
Primarily focusing on Community Temperature Index (CTI) within fish communities along temporal gradients in the Bay of Biscay
Netaji Subhas-ICAR International Fellowship (NS-ICARIF)
Primarily focusing on Community Temperature Index (CTI) within fish communities along temporal gradients in the Bay of Biscay
Cristina Claver
PhD student
AZTI, Spain
PhD student
AZTI, Spain
Ecology and genetics
PI: Naiara Rodríguez-Ezpeleta
I provide distribution and abundance maps of protected and highly commercial species using environmental DNA
I provide distribution and abundance maps of protected and highly commercial species using environmental DNA
Marine Ethève
PhD student
University of Perpignan, France
PhD student
University of Perpignan, France
Fisheries ecology
PI: Lucia Di Iorio
I study the spatio-temporal dynamics of marine forest soundscapes (kelp forests, zostera and posidonia seagrasses) in the context of global change. My research involves determining the sound library of this marine ecosystem and investigating the influence of abiotic parameters on its biophony.
I study the spatio-temporal dynamics of marine forest soundscapes (kelp forests, zostera and posidonia seagrasses) in the context of global change. My research involves determining the sound library of this marine ecosystem and investigating the influence of abiotic parameters on its biophony.
Valentin Foulon
Research Engineer
ENIB & IFREMER, France
Research Engineer
ENIB & IFREMER, France
Biologist | microscopist
PI: Raffaele Siano | Daniela Zeppilli
I study meiofauna communities with identification by imaging protocols.
I study meiofauna communities with identification by imaging protocols.
Thomas Haize
Expedition Field Technician
EMBL, Germany
Expedition Field Technician
EMBL, Germany
Anthropogenic impact in marine environment
PI: Paola Bertucci
As part as the TREC expedition and leading the sediment sampling. I’m involved in the organisation, sampling, development of protocols and analysis of samples.
As part as the TREC expedition and leading the sediment sampling. I’m involved in the organisation, sampling, development of protocols and analysis of samples.
Rabea Klingberg
PhD student
Georg-August University Göttingen
PhD student
Georg-August University Göttingen
Animal evolution and biodiversity
PI: Christoph Bleidorn
I was in charge of the intertidal annelid sampling, to unravel the taxonomic distribution pattern of the annelid macrofauna across the European cost.
I was in charge of the intertidal annelid sampling, to unravel the taxonomic distribution pattern of the annelid macrofauna across the European cost.
Pierre Kostyrka
Engineer
Sorbonne Université, France
Engineer
Sorbonne Université, France
Oceanography and marine ecology
PI: Fabien Lombard
My job is to deploy the PlanktoScope, a quantitative imaging tool, at the european scale. I also participate to the intercalibration, the data analysis, and the setup of projects involving the PlanktoScope.
My job is to deploy the PlanktoScope, a quantitative imaging tool, at the european scale. I also participate to the intercalibration, the data analysis, and the setup of projects involving the PlanktoScope.
Erwan Legeay
Research Engineer
Sorbonne Université - Station Biologique de Roscoff, France
Research Engineer
Sorbonne Université - Station Biologique de Roscoff, France
Marine microbial ecologist
PI: Colomban de Vargas
I’m in charge of developing and deploying the Lamprey, a DNA sampling tool, at the European scale WP 1.5.1. I also participate in the water sampling in Roscoff and analysis for WP 1.4.3.
I’m in charge of developing and deploying the Lamprey, a DNA sampling tool, at the European scale WP 1.5.1. I also participate in the water sampling in Roscoff and analysis for WP 1.4.3.
James O'Brien
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Microbial Ecologist | Marine Biologist
PI: Shinichi Sunagawa
I aim to improve our understanding of aerosol microbiomes. Through the TREC expedition, we are collecting samples that will characterise the diversity, function and dispersal of airborne microbes across Europe.
I aim to improve our understanding of aerosol microbiomes. Through the TREC expedition, we are collecting samples that will characterise the diversity, function and dispersal of airborne microbes across Europe.
Christina Pavloudi
Data Scientist / Post Doctoral Researcher
EMBRC
Data Scientist / Post Doctoral Researcher
EMBRC
Microbial Ecologist | Marine Biologist
PI: Nicolas Pade
Compiling DNA (and non-DNA) time series datasets from long term observatories, Analyzing metabarcoding sequence data, Filling metadata gaps, Identifying patterns of biodiversity change through time and in relation to environmental information
Compiling DNA (and non-DNA) time series datasets from long term observatories, Analyzing metabarcoding sequence data, Filling metadata gaps, Identifying patterns of biodiversity change through time and in relation to environmental information
Joanna Warwick-Dugdale
Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Marine Biological Association, UK
Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Marine Biological Association, UK
Marine microbial ecologist
PI: Michael Cunliffe
I am investigating temporal and spatial patterns in marine biodiversity via metabarcoding time-series intercomparisons.
I am investigating temporal and spatial patterns in marine biodiversity via metabarcoding time-series intercomparisons.
WP2: Understanding biodiversity in critical marine habitats and their keystone species
Hanin Alzubaidy
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Vienna, Austria
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Vienna, Austria
Microbiologist | Marine biologist
PI: Jillian Petersen
Studying the microbial diversity in the seagrass ecosystem with and without the presence of Lucinid clams.
Studying the microbial diversity in the seagrass ecosystem with and without the presence of Lucinid clams.
Eric Armstrong
Postdoctoral fellow
Université de Perpignan, France
Postdoctoral fellow
Université de Perpignan, France
Ecophysiologist
PI: Serge Planes
I study how turbidity and heat stress influence the composition and evolution of the coral microbiome in order to better understand how coral holobionts cope with anthropogenic stressors.
I study how turbidity and heat stress influence the composition and evolution of the coral microbiome in order to better understand how coral holobionts cope with anthropogenic stressors.
Alvin Han
Postdoctoral fellow
EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Postdoctoral fellow
EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Microbiology, Microbiome
PI: Detlev Arendt
I will be surveying the microbial diversity associated with Platynereis dumerilii across field sites for TREC, accompanied by an exploration of cultured worms from lab colonies.
I will be surveying the microbial diversity associated with Platynereis dumerilii across field sites for TREC, accompanied by an exploration of cultured worms from lab colonies.
Caroline Juery
Postdoc
CNRS, France
Postdoc
CNRS, France
Bioinformatics
PI: Johan Decelle
I characterise Phaeocystis holobiont studying the genetic and functional diversity of Phaeocystis species, their microbiome in free living (colonies) and in symbiosis with Acantharia. I am collecting single holobiont DNA barcoding samples and transcriptomics through TREC.
I characterise Phaeocystis holobiont studying the genetic and functional diversity of Phaeocystis species, their microbiome in free living (colonies) and in symbiosis with Acantharia. I am collecting single holobiont DNA barcoding samples and transcriptomics through TREC.
Chloé Mason
PhD student
IFREMER, France
PhD student
IFREMER, France
Marine ecologist
PI: Raffaele Siano
I’m studying how river inputs influence the interactome of the coastal microbiome. I’m using eDNA, metabarcoding and network inference methods.
I’m studying how river inputs influence the interactome of the coastal microbiome. I’m using eDNA, metabarcoding and network inference methods.
Pauline Narvaez
Postdoctoral researcher
CNRS, France
Postdoctoral researcher
CNRS, France
Marine ecologist
PI: José Montoya
I investigate the effects of temperature on the microbiota associated with marine sponges from the Western Mediterranean. Microbiome samples are collected at different locations from the southern France to northern Spain and analysed with metabarcoding, metatranscriptomic and metagenomic techniques.
I investigate the effects of temperature on the microbiota associated with marine sponges from the Western Mediterranean. Microbiome samples are collected at different locations from the southern France to northern Spain and analysed with metabarcoding, metatranscriptomic and metagenomic techniques.
WP3: Building a digital foundation for the holistic assessment of marine biodiversity
Fabio Benedetti
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Ecologist
PI: Meike Vogt
Mapping taxonomic and functional facets of marine plankton diversity; consolidate global plankton observations for empirical distribution modelling; contribute to the development of automated empirical distribution modelling pipeline(s)
Mapping taxonomic and functional facets of marine plankton diversity; consolidate global plankton observations for empirical distribution modelling; contribute to the development of automated empirical distribution modelling pipeline(s)
Corentin Clerc
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Biogeochemistry, modelling, marine ecology
PI: Meike Vogt
Mapping global zooplankton functional composition; understanding the trophic structure of plankton in the global ocean; contributing to the development of empirical distribution modelling pipeline(s)
Mapping global zooplankton functional composition; understanding the trophic structure of plankton in the global ocean; contributing to the development of empirical distribution modelling pipeline(s)
Stefanie Mayer
PhD student
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
PhD student
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Quantitative marine ecologist
PI: Meike Vogt | Loic Pellissier | Nicolas Gruber | Shinichi Sunagawa
Investigating global marine biodiversity patterns across indices, methods, functional groups, space and time; with a focus on coastal to open ocean gradients and an aim to bridge gaps in existing global models for plankton and fish.
Investigating global marine biodiversity patterns across indices, methods, functional groups, space and time; with a focus on coastal to open ocean gradients and an aim to bridge gaps in existing global models for plankton and fish.
Taylor Priest
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Microbial ecologist
PI: Shinichi Sunagawa
Assessing microbial diversity and overall biodiversity through metabarcoding and metagenomics data
Assessing microbial diversity and overall biodiversity through metabarcoding and metagenomics data
Damiano Righetti
Postdoctoral researcher
Danish Technical University, Denmark
WP3 | WP5
Postdoctoral researcher
Danish Technical University, Denmark
WP3 | WP5
Alpine botanist | marine macro-ecologist
PI: Brian MacKenzie
I help creating the scientific basis for species distribution models that enable global biodiversity to be reliably mapped spatially and temporally. The 30% area target by 2030 brings urgency to this task. We use plankton and fish as testbeds how models ‘work’ or ‘fail’.
I help creating the scientific basis for species distribution models that enable global biodiversity to be reliably mapped spatially and temporally. The 30% area target by 2030 brings urgency to this task. We use plankton and fish as testbeds how models ‘work’ or ‘fail’.
Alexandre Schickele
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Quantitative marine ecologist
PI: Meike Vogt | Nicolas Grüber
I develop standard tools to assess global plankton biodiversity across taxonomic groups, diversity metrics and data types, from traditional occurrences to omics.
I develop standard tools to assess global plankton biodiversity across taxonomic groups, diversity metrics and data types, from traditional occurrences to omics.
Lucas Ustick
Postdoctoral Fellow
EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Postdoctoral Fellow
EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Bioinformatician | Microbial Ecologist
PI: Peer Bork
Planetary scale analysis of metagenomes with a focus on linking omics to microbial nutrient cycling.
Planetary scale analysis of metagenomes with a focus on linking omics to microbial nutrient cycling.
Giorgio Vittorio Visco
PhD student
University of Padua, Italy
WP3 & WP4
PhD student
University of Padua, Italy
WP3 & WP4
Quantitative marine ecologist
PI: Daniele Iudicone | Meike Vogt
Development and study of stochastic models for population distributions in marine ecosystems
Development and study of stochastic models for population distributions in marine ecosystems
WP4: Developing new theories for marine biodiversity, ecosystem function and their relationships
Julie Lemoine
PhD student
Sorbonne Université - IMEV - LOV, France
PhD student
Sorbonne Université - IMEV - LOV, France
Oceanography and marine ecology
PI: Fabien Lombard
I study traits of zooplankton and in particular the biomass/biovolume ratio (gelatinous/non-gelatinous) in order to better represent zooplankton diversity in BGC models.
I study traits of zooplankton and in particular the biomass/biovolume ratio (gelatinous/non-gelatinous) in order to better represent zooplankton diversity in BGC models.
Geoffrey Neumann
Postdoc Research Fellow
University of Southampton, UK
Postdoc Research Fellow
University of Southampton, UK
Plankton Biomodeller
PI: Ben Ward
Developing Lineage Based Model to explore how neutral processes (population drift, mutation) and dispersal may drive plankton biogeography on a global and local scale. More generally exploring the differing roles of these processes and environmental selection in driving the patterns we see.
Developing Lineage Based Model to explore how neutral processes (population drift, mutation) and dispersal may drive plankton biogeography on a global and local scale. More generally exploring the differing roles of these processes and environmental selection in driving the patterns we see.
Blai Vidiella Rocamora
Postdoctoral researcher
Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station, CNRS, France
Postdoctoral researcher
Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station, CNRS, France
PI: José Montoya
Theoretical Ecology|Complex / Dynamical Systems|Evolutionary theory|Mathematical modelling
I am developing new theories to explore how biodiversity impacts ecosystem function in marine environments. Drawing on my expertise in complex systems, including dynamical systems, network science, and spatial simulations, I aim to deepen our understanding of this critical ecological relationship.
I am developing new theories to explore how biodiversity impacts ecosystem function in marine environments. Drawing on my expertise in complex systems, including dynamical systems, network science, and spatial simulations, I aim to deepen our understanding of this critical ecological relationship.
WP5: Monitoring the impact of human activity on marine biodiversity and modelling future ocean health
Adrià Antich
Postdoctoral Researcher
NORCE Research, Norway
Postdoctoral Researcher
NORCE Research, Norway
Biologist
PI: Tristan Cordier
To develop the use of Machine learning approaches to predict the quality status of marine communities near the fish farms in Norway and to identify potential new indicators.
To develop the use of Machine learning approaches to predict the quality status of marine communities near the fish farms in Norway and to identify potential new indicators.
Xavier Corrales
Postdoctoral researcher
AZTI, Spain
WP5 | WP6
Postdoctoral researcher
AZTI, Spain
WP5 | WP6
Ecologist
PI: Eider Andonegi
Development of an ecosystem model for the tropical Atlantic Ecoregion to assess impacts of fishing and climate change and economic assessment of ecosystem services
Development of an ecosystem model for the tropical Atlantic Ecoregion to assess impacts of fishing and climate change and economic assessment of ecosystem services
Thøger Engelund Knudsen
PhD student
DTU Aqua, Denmark
PhD student
DTU Aqua, Denmark
Mathematical ecologist
PI: Brian MacKenzie
I develop various models on long migration in pelagic species, which translates behavioural processes, based on environmental input, into spatiotemporal distribution of the species.
I develop various models on long migration in pelagic species, which translates behavioural processes, based on environmental input, into spatiotemporal distribution of the species.
Leire Lopetegui Eguren
PhD student
AZTI, Spain
PhD student
AZTI, Spain
Fisheries ecology
PI: Eider Andonegi | Maria José Juan Jordá
I am developing SDMs exploring different methods and datasets for vulnerable species interacting with tropical tuna purse seine fisheries for assessing fishing impacts and informing the design of spatially-based conservation and management measures.
I am developing SDMs exploring different methods and datasets for vulnerable species interacting with tropical tuna purse seine fisheries for assessing fishing impacts and informing the design of spatially-based conservation and management measures.
Shubham Krishna
Scientist
National Oceanography Centre, UK
Scientist
National Oceanography Centre, UK
Ecosystem modelling | Marine Biogeochemistry
PI: Stephanie Henson
I model microbial diversity at different oceanic sites and study how they will be impacted by anthropogenic stressors, such as warming and eutrophication.
I model microbial diversity at different oceanic sites and study how they will be impacted by anthropogenic stressors, such as warming and eutrophication.
Josu Meléndez Arteaga
PhD student
AZTI, Spain
PhD student
AZTI, Spain
Marine ecologist
PI: Eider Andonegi | Xavier Corrales | Maria José Juan Jordá
I am developing a trophic analysis and ecosystem models of the tropical Atlantic Ocean in order to assess past, current and future responses of large predatory fishes (tropical tunas, billfishes and sharks) to commercial fishing and climate change.
I am developing a trophic analysis and ecosystem models of the tropical Atlantic Ocean in order to assess past, current and future responses of large predatory fishes (tropical tunas, billfishes and sharks) to commercial fishing and climate change.
Ngoc-Loi Nguyen
PhD student
Institute of Oceanology PAN, Poland
PhD student
Institute of Oceanology PAN, Poland
Microbiologist
PI: Jan Pawlowski | Tristan Cordier
I perform metabarcoding analysis and develop DNA-based indicators of ecological status in Norwegian coastal areas impacted by industrial and urban activities.
I perform metabarcoding analysis and develop DNA-based indicators of ecological status in Norwegian coastal areas impacted by industrial and urban activities.
Quentin Nogues
Postdoctoral researcher
Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy
Postdoctoral researcher
Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy
Ecologist
PI: Laura Airoldi
I am currently developing an ecosystem model to perform multirisk multicriteria risk assessment of marine biodiversity to human activities. To do so I am using a trait base approach to model the function of marine biodiversity across the world.
I am currently developing an ecosystem model to perform multirisk multicriteria risk assessment of marine biodiversity to human activities. To do so I am using a trait base approach to model the function of marine biodiversity across the world.
Massimiliano Palma
Research Scientist
ENEA, Italy
Research Scientist
ENEA, Italy
Oceanography
Linking plankton diversity and ecosystem services
Thelma Panaïotis
Research Scientist
National Oceanography Centre, UK
Research Scientist
National Oceanography Centre, UK
Computational ecologist
PI: BB Cael
I investigate how ML can help us improve the representation of zooplankton diversity in earth system models.
I investigate how ML can help us improve the representation of zooplankton diversity in earth system models.
Ahmed Souissi
Postdoctoral researcher
IFREMER, France
Postdoctoral researcher
IFREMER, France
Population genetics | Genomics
PI: Bruno Ernande
Investigating the role of functional and life history traits in shaping genetic diversity among marine fish species, focusing on the analysis and interpretation of data to understand ecological determinants of genetic variation.
Investigating the role of functional and life history traits in shaping genetic diversity among marine fish species, focusing on the analysis and interpretation of data to understand ecological determinants of genetic variation.
Clément Violet
Postdoctoral researcher
IFREMER, France
Postdoctoral researcher
IFREMER, France
Marine Ecology | Quantitative Ecology
PI: Raffaele Siano
I aim to enhance the prediction of non-indigenous species (NIIS) invasion success in European seas by exploring the role of species traits and environmental factors. I will use trait-based modelling and species distribution models to develop a predictive framework that considers abiotic and biotic factors and the impact of climate change on invasion success.
I aim to enhance the prediction of non-indigenous species (NIIS) invasion success in European seas by exploring the role of species traits and environmental factors. I will use trait-based modelling and species distribution models to develop a predictive framework that considers abiotic and biotic factors and the impact of climate change on invasion success.
WP6: Assessing the value of biodiversity and marine natural capital to improve protective strategies
Julián Esteban-Cantillo
PhD student
Institut Jean Nicod, France
PhD student
Institut Jean Nicod, France
Biodiversity conservation
PI: Sacha Bourgeois-Gironde | Roberto Casati
I study dynamic alternatives to current spatial conservation schemes in marine ecosystems from the perspective of climate change, biodiversity and essential particle spreading.
I study dynamic alternatives to current spatial conservation schemes in marine ecosystems from the perspective of climate change, biodiversity and essential particle spreading.
Umer Gurchani
Postdoctoral Researcher
Institut Jean Nicod, France
Postdoctoral Researcher
Institut Jean Nicod, France
Ecological Economics
PI: Sacha Bourgeois-Gironde
I am trying to update Weitzman’s index on biodiversity to include functional diversity.
I am trying to update Weitzman’s index on biodiversity to include functional diversity.
Luca Russo
Postdoctoral Researcher
Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italy
Postdoctoral Researcher
Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italy
Marine ecologist
PI: Domenico D’Alelio | Arantza Murilla
Identification of target habitats and marine organisms and application of systematic review of the literature to identify ecosystem services they provide
Identification of target habitats and marine organisms and application of systematic review of the literature to identify ecosystem services they provide
