About:

Hello! I am an evolutionary biologist broadly interested in studying the genomics of eco-evolutionary dynamics in natural populations. I am in a quest to understand how ecological changes generate adaptive evolution in short time (i.e. rapid evolution generated in years or decades)? and what drives the evolvability of a species/population?

Currently, my research is exploring a very interesting model species; the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. This successful invasive species has established populations in almost every continent. It is an allo-polyploid, meaning its genome consist of two sub-genomes of different ancestral origin. These sub-genomes have experienced asymmetrical evolution, and eventually led the two sub-genomes to have different levels of genetic diversity and dynamics, constituting and extra potent mechanism for the emergence of evolutionary novelties. 

With this cool model study, my research aim to; 1) Determine the genetic basis of adaptation to extreme conditions in X. laevis of South Africa and its invasiveness potential in France. 2) Test the relative role and contribution of each of the two sub-genomes in adaptation. and 3) Establish the role of transposable elements as a source of adaptive variations in X. laevis.​   

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Expanding interest

I believe a real understanding of biology can only be reached by integrating concepts from physics and chemistry. I am currently working on solidifying my background in physics and chemistry to enable me to have a multidimensional view in approaching  my research questions. In the soon future, I would like to expand my research and view my questions under the lens of quantum biology.