Research interests
My research focuses on life history theories, with keen interests on host-parasite relationships and on the role played by oxidative stress in shaping life history trade-offs.
During my PhD in Lausanne, Switzerland, I investigated the costs of flea parasitism at the juvenile and adult stage using the common vole (Microtus arvalis) as study system. By using an experimental approach, I demonstrated that fleas have substantial costs in terms of delayed development, alteration of physiology, immunosuppression and reduced lifespan. To test if voles could evolve a predictive adaptive response to parasitism (Rickard & Lummaa, 2007, Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism), I used a long-term approach where I followed individuals infested with fleas both at the juvenile stage and adult stage. I found no evidence that voles infested with fleas in adulthood performed better if they had already encountered fleas at the juvenile stage.
During my Ph.D, I also ran side-projects in ecophysiology, parasitism and life-history theories using bats, great tits, alpine swifts and flamingos as study systems, which has allowed me to diversify my research experience and to cultivate my naturalist knowledge.
Nowadays, I am trying to extend my results from individual-based studies to population-based studies.
During my PhD in Lausanne, Switzerland, I investigated the costs of flea parasitism at the juvenile and adult stage using the common vole (Microtus arvalis) as study system. By using an experimental approach, I demonstrated that fleas have substantial costs in terms of delayed development, alteration of physiology, immunosuppression and reduced lifespan. To test if voles could evolve a predictive adaptive response to parasitism (Rickard & Lummaa, 2007, Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism), I used a long-term approach where I followed individuals infested with fleas both at the juvenile stage and adult stage. I found no evidence that voles infested with fleas in adulthood performed better if they had already encountered fleas at the juvenile stage.
During my Ph.D, I also ran side-projects in ecophysiology, parasitism and life-history theories using bats, great tits, alpine swifts and flamingos as study systems, which has allowed me to diversify my research experience and to cultivate my naturalist knowledge.
Nowadays, I am trying to extend my results from individual-based studies to population-based studies.