I am fascinated by the neuronal mechanisms regulating social interactions and the development of behavioral phenotypes. My research takes an integrative approach, combining methods from behavioral ecology, neurobiology, physiology, and molecular biology to achieve a comprehensive understanding of social behavior and its evolution.
Currently, I am investigating the neuronal mechanisms underlying behavioral flexibility in the neotropical poison frog, Allobates femoralis. By manipulating the social environment in controlled experiments and applying histological (IHC) and molecular techniques (qPCR, RNAseq), I aim to uncover the neurophysiological processes that govern social behavioral flexibility, particularly regulating courtship, territoriality, and parental care.
Additionally, I am investigating the impact of parental care on offspring neurodevelopment, with a particular focus on the development of catecholaminergic and nonapeptide pathways.
Professional experience:
2023- Present: Postdoctoral researcher, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Switzerland
2023: Postdoctoral researcher, Evolution et diversité biologique, Université Toulouse Paul Sabatier, France
2022: Postdoctoral researcher, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Switzerland
2020: PhD in Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Switzerland
2016: Msc in Evolutionary developmental biology, University of Lisbon, Portugal
2013: Bsc in Evolutionary developmental biology, University of Lisbon, Portugal
