Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium
PhD researcher in Biology with a background spanning fundamental research, applied ecology, conservation biology, and civic engagement. Through experiences ranging from ecological field assessments at UCBL and geospatial analysis at SNCF to research on social immunity in ant colonies at ULB, I developed a strong interest in the interactions between fundamental, applied, and social ecology. I strongly believe that understanding socio-ecological systems across multiple scales is essential to support the ecological transition, and that multidisciplinary approaches are key to addressing these challenges. I am particularly motivated by projects combining scientific rigor, environmental impact, and science communication. Currently seeking opportunities in postdoctoral research, environmental research and development, conservation NGOs, environmental policy, or applied ecology and fieldwork positions.
Due to their high density, genetic relatedness, and confined nesting conditions, ant colonies are particularly vulnerable to disease transmission. To reduce these risks, they have evolved several forms of social immunity. Using the red ant Myrmica rubra, this thesis investigates how colonies organize their sanitary defenses against the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. The first chapter examines the relationship between division of labor and social immunity through the tracking of tagged workers. Five functional groups were identified: foragers, intermittent foragers, nurses, domestics, and inactives. Without pathogenic risk, corpse removal was mainly performed by intermittent foragers, whereas high-risk conditions mobilized a broader range of workers, reducing specialization but accelerating corpse removal. Some workers also showed a strong tendency toward prophylactic grooming, suggesting the existence of hygienic workers in M. rubra. Foragers displayed the highest mortality following infection, reflecting immunosenescence. The second chapter investigates the spatial organization of sanitary behaviors in nests divided into sister colonies exposed to different pathogen loads. Inactive workers clustered around the queen without grooming her, even under high-risk conditions, illustrating organizational immunity. In contrast, grooming behaviors concentrated near nest entrances highlighted a local resistance strategy against pathogens. The third chapter explores the balance between sanitary strategies. Colonies increased grooming behaviors in the presence of infectious corpses and compensated for worker losses through brood overproduction and increased foraging effort. Finally, a trade-off between tolerance and resistance strategies was observed in control conditions but disappeared under pathogen exposure. These findings demonstrate the flexibility of ant colonies in adjusting their sanitary strategies in response to infection risk.
Youth worker at the Grette-Butte community centre (408) for the ACS. Mission: Homework support and follow-up for children experiencing difficulties
Production of giant maps highlighting Wildlife-Train collision hotspots
Paid end-of-study internship (six months) at Infrapole LGV Sud-Est Européen Mission: Development of predictive mapping of wildlife collisions on the Paris-Marseille high-speed rail line