Benoît Salamin
Master in biology
benoit.salamin@unine.ch
Interest
Holder of a Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biology at the University of Neuchâtel, I have always been passionate about marine biology and the interactions between aquatic organisms. This curiosity has led me to work on various projects, notably focusing on the interactions between pathogenic bacteria and corals during my Bachelor’s thesis at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama.
Main Topics
- Coral reefs
- Species interactions
- Metabolomics
- Climate change
Master Project
For my Master’s project, I am collaborating with Dr. Gerrit Nanninga (from the University of Munich and coral specialist within the start-up rrreefs) and with Prof. Sergio Rasmann’s laboratory. My project takes place in the Maldives and focuses on mimicking the chemosensory signals of a healthy reef to attract fish and coral larvae. Specifically, I aim to identify and experimentally test the molecules or blends of molecules that are the most attractive to larvae by analyzing their behavior in response to different chemical signatures. This project combines controlled laboratory experiments with a potential fieldwork phase.
The ultimate goal is to better understand how chemical cues can be used to facilitate the repopulation of degraded reefs, thereby contributing to conservation and restoration strategies for coral reef ecosystems.
