Overview 

The evolution of reproductive barriers, classically viewed as a gene flow breakdown in sexually reproducing eukaryotes, prevents intraspecific hybrid formation and ensures efficient isolation between natural populations. My core research aims at studying the molecular and genetic factors associated with both prezygotic and postzygotic barriers taking advantage of the fascinating range of ecological and reproductive behaviors displayed by insects. To this end, I have coupled genetic and molecular methods with heterologous and computational tools to characterize the genetic architecture that results in shaping the evolution of mating signal diversification (production of chemical for intra-specific communication) and the accumulation of genomic incompatibilities. Most recently, I started new research investigating insect perception at the molecular and functional levels to explore how insects integrate specific stimuli from their environment.