Multiscale eco-evolutionary processes

Eco-evolutionary processes frequently involve multiple spatial scales simultaneously. One can for example imagine chick survival to be dependent on both the local density (the number of siblings in the same nest), as well as the regional density (the number of nests in the area). I am generally interested in the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes that occur over multiple scale simultaneously. Currently I have focused mainly on theoretical exploration on these topics, but I am shifting towards more empirical systems, describing for example partial migration in Arctic charr, and density patterns in fur seal.

Recovering individual-level process from population level data

Can we use information on the population level to reconstruct what is happening on an individual level? For example, if we know how average body size changes over time, can we infer how body size might be affecting individual life histories?

Unwilling to pick a specific field of study, I ended up doing a Bsc and Msc in natural sciences at Radboud University Nijmegen. From there, I slowly move south - after a short stay at Freiburg university - to Zurich where I did my PhD in population ecology, focusing on trait-based models. Once graduated I moved back north, to the allegedly nonexistent city of Bielefeld. Here, I worked on more theoretical models, again with a focus on individual heterogeneity. Now I am here, in at Groningen University, as the logo of the top of this page gives away. Researchwise still focused on individual heterogeneity, but more importantly, helping aspiring biologists in learning the quantitative skills that are so important to translate data into understanding. 

Unsurprisingly, for a tenure tracker with an education profile, I enjoy spending a substantial amount of time on teaching. Currently I coordinate:

- Biostatatistics II
- Big data management in ecology and evolution
- Quantitative research skills

Furthermore I contribute(d) to:

- Advanced statistics
- Biostatistics 1
- Biological Modelling and Model Analysis

Beyond the classroom I also enjoying supervising Master and Bachelor research projects.