Stay Tuned!
I'll post every exciting news here. Check back regularly to stay updated on the latest !
I am pleased to announce that I have created a new page dedicated to my partnership with Bija Ecoconsulting.
This page introduces Bija, a consulting firm committed to developing, financing, and implementing sustainable and innovative projects with tangible environmental and social impact.
I present their main areas of expertise, from project design and public funding engineering to eco-design and project management. In this page, I also present my role as an ecological and scientific consultant, helping them to bridge science and practice in sustainable project development. access the page
I am pleased to announce that I have created a new page dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals.
On this page, I explain what the SDGs are, why scientific research is essential to achieving them, and how my work in aquatic microbial ecology contributes to four of the 17 SDGs: Life Below Water (14), Life on Land (15), Climate Action (13), and Clean Water and Sanitation (6).
Through this page, I aim to highlight how science can connect to global challenges and support sustainable development. access the page
I am pleased to announce the opportunity for a MSc student (or equivalent) to undertake an internship at our lab (UMR 6539 LEMAR) for the current academic year (2025/2026), under the co-supervision of J. Lavaud and myself. We welcome interested students to contact us at their earliest convenience to discuss the topic.
Title: Productivity and photosynthetic dynamics of microphytobenthic biofilms in intertidal zones
Please access the pdf on the LinkedIn post by using the following link: Access
After 3 years at the University of Aveiro (Portugal) as a contract researcher in João Serôdio’s lab on the SEARCHLIGHT project (see details), I am closing a chapter filled with research and inspiring collaborations.
I am now excited to announce that I have joined Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM - link), and more specifically the UMR 6539 LEMAR (link), as a research engineer on the REWRITE project (see details), under the guidance of Johann Lavaud (link).
I look forward to this new scientific journey and to continuing to exchange and share along the way both here on my website and on my LinkedIn (link)! 🌊🌍
I am delighted to announce the publication of our new research article titled "Light response of karyostrophy in the benthic pennate diatom Pleurosigma strigosum (Bacillariophyceae): A complimentary photoprotective process? " in Journal of Phycology.
The research presented in this paper investigated whether the light-dependent contraction of chloroplasts (karyostrophy) plays a role in protecting diatom cells from high light stress. Results showed that karyostrophy enhances self-shading and supports recovery from light stress, highlighting its potential role as a complementary photoprotective mechanism.
Please feel free to access the paper by using the following link: Access the paper
I am pleased to announce the publication of our latest research article titled "Light induced transthylakoidal proton gradient is a key signal driving the downward migration of motile diatoms in sediments" in the journal Scientific Reports.
This paper presents part of the results obtained during the SEARCHLIGHT project (see details).
The research presented in this paper investigated whether the proton gradient (ΔpH) generated by high light plays a role in triggering light-avoidance movement in benthic pennate diatoms. Results showed that disrupting ΔpH reduced this photophobic migration, highlighting its key role in linking light sensing to protective movement behavior.
Please feel free to access the paper by using the following link: Access the paper
Excited to announce that I will be participating in the upcoming conference "Molecular Life of Diatoms 8"organized by VIB Training & Conferences, , which will take place from June 22-26, 2025, at the Ghent University Botanic Gardens!
During the conference, I will present a poster titled "The light-induced transthylakoidal proton gradient (ΔpH) is a key signal driving the downward migration of motile diatoms in sediments" (See the poster).
🔬 This research explores how the light-driven proton gradients (ΔpH) across the thylakoid membrane act as crucial signals in the migration patterns of benthic diatoms, shedding light on their ecological adaptations and energy strategies.
I’m looking forward to exchanging insights and connecting with colleagues and researchers in the field. If you’re attending, feel free to reach out, I’d love to discuss ideas and collaborations!
👉 For more information about the event, visit the official conference website (link)
I am pleased to announce the publication of our latest research article titled "Influence of cockle bioturbation on microphytobenthic primary producers: habitat and density-dependent effects" in the journal Marine Biology.
This paper presents part of the results obtained during the COCKLES project (Cooperation for restoring cockle shellfisheries & its ecosystem-services in the Atlantic Area - see more details).
The research presented in this paper investigates the non-trophic effects of the edible cockle Cerastoderma edule on microphytobenthos using ex situ mesocosm experiments with different sediment types. It shows that cockles negatively affect MPB biomass in a density-dependent manner by disturbing sediments and biofilms, though photosynthetic performance remains unchanged thanks to enhanced nutrient fluxes from bioirrigation.
Please feel free to access the paper by using the following link: Access the paper
Welcome to "The Microalgae Files: Nature’s Wonders!" 🌍✨
Discover the hidden marvels of microalgae through bite-sized stories filled with fascinating facts and expert insights. Each File, created with researchers, unveils their remarkable roles in nature, from symbiosis to scientific breakthroughs.
New File will be shared on LinkedIn (connect) and in the dedicated outreach section.
I am pleased to announce the publication of our latest research article titled "Inter-specific variability in photophysiological responses of epipelic diatoms to the actin inhibitor Latrunculin B" in the journal Diatom Research.
This paper presents part of the results we obtained during the SEARCHLIGHT project (see details).
The research presented in this paper investigates whether the actin inhibitor Latrunculin B (Lat B) can be used to explore the relationship between cell motility and photosynthetic activity in benthic pennate diatoms. Our results show that Lat B effectively stops diatom movement across multiple species, while having only a limited effect on their ability to carry out photosynthesis. Interestingly, our findings suggest that actin filaments may be involved in photoprotective mechanisms, potentially helping diatoms recover from light-induced stress.
Please feel free to access the paper by using the following link: Access the paper
I am pleased to announce the publication of our latest research article titled "Together throughout the year: seasonal patterns of bacterial and eukaryotic microbial communities in a macrotidal estuary" in the journal Environmental Microbiome.
This paper presents part of the results we obtained during the PROUESSE project (see details).
The research presented in this paper investigates the annual bacterial and eukaryotic community dynamics along the Seine macrotidal estuary (Normandy, France). This molecular survey represents a milestone in the understanding of macrotidal estuary dynamics and the Seine ecosystem, through the identification of putative markers of ecosystem functioning. It identifies seasons and biotic associations as main drivers of the Seine estuary microbiota and reveals the importance of a core microbiota throughout the year.
Please feel free to access the paper by using the following link: Access the paper