Team

My first love are amphibians, but there is room in my heart for all living organisms! 🐸🐢🦎🐟

Dr. Florina STĂNESCU

Group leader, Associate Professor and PhD supervisor in the field of Biology at Ovidius University of Constanta.

I have a strong background in field and experimental research that integrates tools and concepts from multiple scientific domains, under the framework of Life History Theory. I use vertebrates as focal taxa of my research, with most of the studies being centered on amphibians as model-organisms. Amphibians are an ideal group for ecological, evolutionary and conservation research, specifically due to their complex and diverse life-histories; since they occupy both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, their study provides valuable insights for both environments.

My research experience and interests are structured around four main topics that connect multiple fields of study (e.g., Population Biology, Bioacoustics, Biological Invasions):

aging and growth patterns;
adaptive strategies and resilience to environmental stress;
animal communication;
alien species management and distribution.

PhD students

🐸Ana-Maria DRĂGAN

Ana is my first PhD student! She is super-excited about acoustic communication in the natural world and amphibians. She has already participated in fieldwork, experiments and data analyses of alpine soundscapes, and presented her results at several scientific events.

🪲Raluca Gabriela GEORGESCU

Raluca is keen on uncovering new knowledge on the less known dung beetles, from life history, behaviour and ecological services.

She is also a scientific researcher at the Research and Development Institute for Plant Protection.

🦉Ianula DUȚĂ

Ianula is a passionate ornithologist. She collaborates with national NGOs and volunteers in actions related to bird monitoring, conservation, public awareness and education. She is currently reviewing the distribution patterns of birds in Southeastern Romania (Dobrogea) and assessing the impact of microplastics in raptors.

Ianula is also a teacher and wildlife photographer.

🐸Gabriel MARAN

Gabi is an ecologist who loves working with animals. His job at the Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Museum Center allowed him to develop excellent skills, like public communication and animal welfare. He is excited to work with cold-blooded animals, like amphibians and fish! His research focuses on adaptations to osmotic and hydrological stress in amphibians. He is also determined to uncover new knowledge regarding the acoustic communication in fish!