I am a Franco-Swiss biologist with a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from the University of French Polynesia, and a Master’s Degree in Oceanography from the University of Quebec in Rimouski (UQAR-ISMER – Quebec, Canada). During my studies, I developed a strong interest in marine ecology, conservation biology, and molecular approaches for biodiversity monitoring. My research experience has focused on marine turtle ecology, including population monitoring, microbial community characterization, and the assessment of anthropogenic impacts on coastal ecosystems. These experiences and studies allowed me to strengthen my expertise in field ecology, molecular biology, ecotoxicology, and bioinformatics, while contributing to projects ranging from marine biodiversity assessment to conservation and environmental monitoring.
Currently, I am a PhD candidate at the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic University of Galway and the Marine Institute. My research focuses on the conservation and management of the Irish white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) through the application of molecular genetics and biochemical approaches. In particular, it aims to characterise population genetic diversity and structure, develop and apply environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for species and pathogen monitoring, and investigate host immune responses to crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci), in order to better understand this disease dynamic and support conservation strategies in Ireland. The research is funded by the Marine Institute through the Cullen scholarship programme.