We study the ecology and physiology of marine invertebrates with focus on species with complex life cycles.
Our research covers three main areas:
We use decapod crustaceans (lobsters, shrimps, and crabs) as model systems to study how early life stages cope with climate driven changes in the coastal marine environment.
Crustaceans, as most marine benthic invertebrates, develop through a complex life cycle characterized by a pelagic and dispersive larval phase, followed by a metamorphosis to a benthic juvenile. Variations in larval survival and physiological quality can affect recruitment, population dynamics and connectivity.
In particular, we study effects of multiple stressors or drivers (e.g. salinity, temperature, and food limitation) and extreme events (e.g. marine heatwaves) on larval physiology through laboratory experiments, and biochemical and molecular methodologies.
Furthermore, in addition, our work includes multipopulation comparisons, as current research considers local adaptations may drive the responses of organisms across latitudinal gradients. Research in this area is integrated with those described below through model simulations.
We use intertidal zones as model systems to study the effects of extreme events (e.g. marine heatwaves, hypoxia) on species’ distribution patterns. Our current research includes:
We study the process of invasions from the perspective of dispersive larvae through comparisons of physiological performance of exotic versus native species. In addition, we combine laboratory experiments with field observations and modelling to predict range expansion.
