As an evolutionary biologist, I am interested in the origins and maintenance of animal diversity. I use invertebrate animals as model organisms to tackle questions on ancient biogeographical events, or to understand connectivity among populations that can help us to understand the cohesiveness and distribution of invertebrate species. I am furthermore interested in the methods used for inferring phylogenetic relationships, especially those which focus on homology. I have different favorite invertebrate groups, depending on the questions to be addressed. I am particularly interested in explaining the phylogenetic diversity of the largest animal phylum (Arthropoda) and the one with the largest body plan disparity (Mollusca). My research group uses different terrestrial ecdysozoans, mostly arachnids, myriapods, tardigrades and onychophorans to study ancient vicaricant events, and marine benthic invertebrates, mostly corals, sponges, sipunculans, echinoderms and mollusks to study marine connectivity and species delimitation. I am also interested in genomics and developmental biology of invertebrates.
Curriculum Vitae