Research interests

Multi-dimensional phenotypes in multi-dimensional environments

Individuals are mosaics of traits confronted to multiple environmental factors. Using experimental evolution, I study how the accumulation of environmental pressures, especially linked to global change, modifies trait assemblages using the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. I then measure the fitness effects of the observed phenotypic changes to determine which phenotypic assemblage drives adaptive patterns when environmental pressures accumulate.

Evolution of dispersal

Dispersal, the movement leading to gene flow, is a key process in ecology and evolution. At the phenotypic level, dispersal depends upon several correlated traits linked to morphology, physiology and behavior. I'm studying the evolution of this suite of traits under varying environmental conditions.

Molecular bases of adaptations

Adaptations to new environmental conditions or changes in dispersal abilities can rely on many different molecular mechanisms. I'm using whole-genome sequencing, optical maps (collaboration with the CNRGV, INRA), and the sequencing of candidate genes in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila to link adaptive patterns observed in experiments to the genomic regions involved. Special emphasize is put on nucleotidic substitutions, rearrangements and ploidy change.

Patterns of local adaptation in Pyrenean lakes

Pyrenean lakes are important but vulnerable systems. I am involved in a collaborative project realizing biodiversity inventories using eDNA in lakes differentially submitted to human alterations (pollution, tourism, agriculture, ...). We also isolate protist species (ciliates, micro-algae, ...) to run microcosms experiments in the lab searching for the effect of anthropization level on microorganisms' adaptability.

Metapopulation dynamics

Inter-individual variability has long been neglected in metapopulation dynamic studies, where dispersers were considered as a random fraction of individuals. I work both in semi-natural and natural systems to determine the effects of different levels of phenotypic variability in the dynamics of metapopulations.