Research

My research aims to improve our understanding of how human-induced environmental change affects animal ecology and evolution. The main focus of my research is often on ecological causes and evolutionary consequences of behavioural responses in anthropogenic environments. However, I take an integrative approach including the understanding of the proximate mechanisms (e.g., physiological processes) and the consequences (e.g., for evolution, animal welfare or human health) of human-induced changes in aninmal behaviour.

I am currently a postdoctoral researcher, working with Davide Dominoni, at the University of Glasgow, studying (i) circadian patterns of behavioural and physiological activity in urban and non-urban passerine birds; and, (ii) anthropogenic effects on the gut microbiomes of wild birds and their consequences for adaptation to these environments and for animal welfare. I have recently launched the Scops Owl project, in collaboration with Prof Barbara Helm at the Swiss Institute of Ornithology, to investigate how human activity on the planet (in particular light pollution) affects long-distance migration and gut microbiome dynamics of Eurasian scops owls (Otus scops).

Before starting my current postdoctoral position in Glasgow, I was extremely lucky to be a PhD student at the incredible white-browed sparrow weaver project.

If you would like to hear from research updates, the easiest way is probably to follow me on Twitter. Also, check the publications page.