I am working in the field of molecular diversity, ecology and biogeography of cyanobacteria, using a combination of morphological and molecular determinations. The latter ones consist in sequencing of partial ribosomal RNA genes, from isolates or environmental samples (Illumina High-Throughput sequencing). Metagenomics is also used in the laboratory in collaboration with the research group of Prof. Denis Baurain (Phylogenomics) of ULiege. We have worked on different biotopes, with a focus on freshwater lakes and Antarctic environments.
I am also director of the public BCCM/ULC culture collection of cyanobacteria.

Relevant publications
- https://hdl.handle.net/2268/206143
- https://hdl.handle.net/2268/233168
- doi:10.3389/fevo.2019.00393
- doi:10.1007/s00248-018-1203-3
- doi:10.1016/j.envsci.2018.02.006
- doi:10.1099/mgen.0.000212

Ongoing/recent projects:
2017-2021. Partner project MICROBIAN (BR/165/A1) Microbiome diversity and function in the Sør Rondane Mountains, East Antarctica. Grant by Belgian Science Policy Office
2018-2020. PI of CDR HERBA (J.0152.18) Herbaria for the preservation of cyanobacterial diversity and biogeography studies : past and future. Grant by FRS-FNRS.
2020-2022. Partner project GENERA (B2/191/P2) BCCM collections in the genomic era. Grant by Belgian Science Policy Office
2021-2024. Partner project HABITANT (B2/212/P1). Past and future habitability in Antarctic lakes: succession, colonization, extinction, and survival in glacial refugia. Grant by B

Neurosciences

I would be interested to join a project interested by integrating the biodiversity of cyanobacteria in the monitoring assesments of aquatic or terrestrial biotopes where they play a role as primary producers.

cyanobacteria, microorganisms, biodiversity, monitoring, molecular tools, conservation, restoration

The 9th International Conference on Polar and Alpine Microbiology, 9-14 October 2022, German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany