☕️During my PhD I researched the impact of ocean acidification, a mainly anthropogenic driven environmental stressors, on marine ecosystems at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn. In particular, I analyzed the microbiome composition and chemical ecology of marine sponges and their impact on nutritional cycles. My research interests include chemical ecology, ecosystem stability, biochemistry and nutrition. My academic specialisation is focused on nutritional sciences and biochemistry, however my current PhD position allowed me an interdisciplinary integration of my knowledge and a contribution to Climate Change research. I successfully defended my PhD thesis in my viva examination and I am currently searching a new position in related scientific fields.
Skills
Analyses of Next-Generation-Sequencing Data
Graphical Illustrations & Scientific Talks
Chemical Extractions & Metabolomics
Experience
I studied the microbial and metabolic dynamics of sponges under Ocean Acidification. I sampled two sponge species in a CO2 vent and a control site on Ischia Island (Italy) by scuba diving and then analyzed their microbial communities via Illumina Next-Generation-Sequencing. After conducting a NMR-based metabolomics workflow with OPLS-DA, I correlated microbiome and metabolome data. During an international collaboration with the Max-Planck-Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen (Germany), I developed a new underwater sampling method.
Responsibilities included:
- Managing research project
- International collaborations
- Design of a new underwater sampling technique (patent pending)
- Raise funding
- Scuba Diving for sampling and in situ experimentation
- Supervising students
I studied advanced concepts of molecular biology and biochemistry and applied interdisciplinary methods including cell biology, bioinformatics, analytical chemistry and molecular biology. Final Grade 1.3 (A; distinction).
Responsibilities included:
- Teaching aid during a “biochemistry lab course for nutrition scientists”
- Preparing laboratory experiments
- Supervising students during lab work
- Teaching underlying mechanisms of different analytical techniques
Projects
