Mobility experience with a research focus
Master students involved in the final research; PhD sandwich; Post Doc
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science
Our research focuses on the role of natural and anthropogenic processes in shaping ecosystem structure and functioning. We cover a wide range of themes: community ecology of rocky shores, biogenic reefs, sedimentary environments, wetlands, saltmarshes, and human-built habitats; evolutionary and adaptive processes in marine seaweeds and invertebrates; assessment and mitigation of the effects of human activities and urbanisation; biodiversity conservation and restoration ecology. Currently we are studying resistance and resilience of subtidal temperate and tropical biogenic reefs to multiple stressors and to climate and oceanographic changes. We use molecular ecology techniques to study diversity of gorgonian corals and seaweeds, their adaptive potential and genetic connectivity between populations to support marine conservation planning. We investigate how coastal urbanisation, namely harbours and coastal defence structures, affect ecosystems, and we develop and test innovative eco-engineering and nature-based solutions for the design of marine infrastructures and waterfronts that have value to both humans and the environment.
Master students: Evaluation of non-indigenous species in mussel aquaculture: Integrative approach (molecular and taxonomy) to study benthic communities associated to farmed mussels. DNA metabacroding studies of marine communities in harbour environment.
PhD/PostDoc: population genomics of corals for restoration porpoises.
English, Italian
Skills in molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing) and bioinformatic.
Skills in morphological taxonomy of marine invertebrates,
Second dive certificate is a plus.
Statistical analysis and use of Primer and/or R.
Master Research: 3-9
PhD sandwich: 3-9
Post Doc: 3-12