NATURAL SCIENCES

I am currently working on the immunologic features of human podocytes, as well as role of Klotho and NPP1 proteins in the course of diabetic nephropathy. Previously, I studied genetics and immunology of sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. I work with cell lines, I perform quantitative analyses of gene and protein expression. I also implement techniques like immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, and analyse glycolitic parametres of podocytes by measurement of extracellular acidification.

My research group has two main foci: anthropogenically driven evolution and life history evolution. We study both aspects by investigating the molecular ecology of aquatic invertebrates. In the last years, my colleagues and I have taken advantage of the newly developing  field of museomics. Using genomic information extracted from natural history collections, we can begin to understand how humans have altered microbiomes, populations, species and whole communities. 

Our main research topics are: (1) zoobenthos with a special emphasis on species as well functional diversity, (2) biology, ecology and ecophysiology of benthic invertebrates with a special emphasis on non-indigenous species and anthropogenic pressure (3) innovative aquaculture with a special emphasis on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and invertebrates. We work in the field, mainly in coastal waters, and conduct laboratory research based on an experimental approach.