Thanks for your interest
in this website about my research in

Evolutionary Ecology

As you will notice, my work covers a broad range of topics, reflecting my diverse interests. In any case, welcome to my website, I hope you'll find it useful and interesting!

Current work

At present, I work as a scientist at the University of Konstanz associated with the group of Prof Dr. Mark van Kleunen. My main research line involves mating system evolution in plants, and more specifically, the loss of self-incompatibility and the transition from cross-fertilisation to self-fertilisation. A second research theme involves evolution in invasive species, where I am specifically interested in adaptive processes and shifts in biotic interactions. Finally, I have always kept an interest in the population genetics of (auto)polyploids.

Study species

I work and have worked with a variety of plant species (and some of the organisms they interact with). While I think research should be question-driven and not system-driven, you will notice that Arabidopsis lyrata features in much of my research on the evolution of selfing. Although I will be the last to call Arabidopsis ugly or inconspicuous, I will be the first to admit that its looks are not exactly striking either. However, there is more than meets the eye.

Arguably better looking species I work with or have worked with include Brassica nigra, Mimulus guttatus, Solidago canadensis/S. gigantea and Gentiana asclepiadea.