Scientific Projects

Population Genomics of the WIO Snake-Eyed Skinks (Cryptoblepharus)

We use whole genome data to assess the radiation pattern of Cryptoblepharus to the Islands of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and understand species emergence and delimitation within this recent clade by applying a wide range of methods. This uncovered a surprising story about hybridization and human-mediated dispersal that is currently in publication.
In cooperation with Prof. Dr. Jochen Wolf, Dr. Oliver Hawlitschek, and Dr. Mozes Blom.

The Dietary Spectrum of Agama picticauda Across its Invasion Front

Using metabarcoding techniques on gut samples, I uncovered the dietary spectrum of Agama picticauda across its invasion front in Florida, Grande Comore, and Réunion. This data has long remained the missing piece to evaluate the impacts of these novel, urban predators on native ecosystems. In cooperation with Kathleen C. Webster and Prof. Dr. Alexander Keller.

Systematic Catalogisation of Comoran Arachnofauna

The arachnofauna of the Comoro Islands, situated between Madagascar and Africa, has yet to be systematically documented. The volcanic origin of these Islands promise many species that are still unknown to science. I am employing opportunistic sampling attempting to expose previously undocumented species.