Laboratory of Functional Ecology

I have a broad interest in ecological interactions mediated through olfactory signals, within and among species. I aim to understand how volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds released, perceived, and processed by living organisms ultimately influence their behaviors and lead to multi-level adaptations. Particularly, I wish to bring to the fore the mechanisms, the strategies, the compromises, and the costs required when organisms share a same indispensable but limited resource.

Using a wide array of analytical equipment, our work focuses on how plants, insects, and vertebrates use chemical communication to interact with different members of their communities, in both natural and agricultural ecosystems.

Frequently, our scientific projects lead to collaborations and applications in the field of odor measurement and assessment

Main Topics

• Chemical ecology
• Chemical signals in vertebrates (Avis d’experts)
• Aquatic chemical ecology
• Evolution of plant defenses
• Ecology of interactions
• Artificial olfaction and sensitive sensors
• Measurement and identification of odors and scents

Teaching Activities

Bachelor degree (biology, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, sport and sciences)

• Genetics
• Medical Genetics
• Problem-Based Learning in Medicine (general practice)
• Chemical Ecology
• Problem-Based Learning in Chemical Ecology

Master degree (biology)

• Natural Substances Analyses
• Basics in Chemical Ecology

Education

• EMBA. Executive Master of Business Administration (2018), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland.
• CAS-SGE. Certificate of Advanced Studies in Business Management (2015), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland.
• Postdoc. Chemical Ecology (2008-2010), University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. PhD. Biology (2007), University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
• MSc. Sports (2006), University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
• MSc. Biology (2004), University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland.