Activities
Since I'm Assistant Professor at University of Montpellier, I have coordinated and served as the principal partner in more of 25 scientific research projects. In the early years, these projects focused on the biology, life cycle, cyst importance, and ecology of the neurotoxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum, which is responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning in the Mediterranean Thau Lagoon.
Through internal collaborations within the UMR, as well as national (SBR, Ifremer Nantes, Concarneau, University of Toulon) and international partnerships (SZN, CSIC Barcelona, Hollings Marine Lab NOAA USA), additional projects addressing other issues related to HAB (Harmful Algal Blooms) species were developed. Below is a diagram illustrating the topics addressed.
Since 2013, I have taken a strong interest in South Mediterranean ecosystems and, together with my colleagues, have developed two flagship projects, LAGUNOTOX and MEDTOX. These projects focus on studying the specific, toxic, and functional diversity of toxic dinoflagellates evolving in Mediterranean lagoons and coastal marine ecosystems. These initiatives have resulted in the creation and sustainability of a network of partner laboratories from both shores of the Mediterranean, actively collaborating on the topic of toxic microalgal blooms.
Sea regions of study
Mediterranean Sea - Eastern Basin
Indian Ocean
Skills
Throughout my career, I have acquired various techniques and skills in marine ecology, biology, and ecophysiology. I am proficient in plankton sampling techniques, conducting various in situ measurements of physico-chemical parameters, zooplankton (copepods) rearing techniques, and phytoplankton (diatoms and dinoflagellates) cultivation. I have become familiar with various methodologies applied to the study of nutrition, reproduction, embryogenesis, and larval development in pelagic copepods, as well as the effects of toxic dinoflagellates on bivalve physiology.
I conduct ecophysiological experiments on phytoplankton under controlled laboratory conditions. These studies involve the use of various tools (optical microscopy, epifluorescence, electron and confocal microscopy, FlowCam, histological techniques, high-performance liquid chromatography, basic molecular biology techniques, and flow cytometry). I have developed expertise in the taxonomic identification of microphytoplankton and benthic dinoflagellate cysts. Additionally, I have worked with various statistical tools for data processing.
My education and international experience have enabled me to practice multiple languages: I speak English and Italian, in addition to Arabic, which is my native language. I have also participated in an oceanographic campaign aboard the Suroît in the Western English Channel as part of the PNOC program (June 1994) and another campaign aboard the URANIA in the Northern Adriatic within the PRISMA project (February 6–26, 1998).
During my PhD, Post doc work and my studies of Mediterranean and tropical ecosystems, I have regularly participated in plankton sampling campaigns and carried out various physico-chemical measurements. I define myself as a marine ecologist and ecophysiologist.
