Main Focus
I study the role of phenotypic variation in collective behaviour across social and ecological scales. In my research I combine a strong mechanistic approach, using controlled automated testing facilities and custom-written tracking software, with experiments under semi-wild conditions, and field observations. My PhD research has shown that consistent individual differences drive the spatial positioning, leadership, dynamics, and group performance of schooling fish. I am developing a holistic and interdisciplinary framework that uses an individual-based approach to better explain and predict the behaviour and functioning of animal collectives in the broader ecological context.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
2016 PhD in Biology, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK.
2010 MSc in Neuroscience and Cognition, Cum laude, Utrecht University, NL.
2007 BSc in Biology, Cum laude, University of Groningen, NL.
Professional Employment
2018 - 2020, Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellow, Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz, GER
2018 - 2020, von Humboldt Research Fellow, Department of Collective Behavior, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, GER
2018 2 months paternity leave (Birth of daughter: 18/12/2017)
2016 - 2018 Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Collective Behaviour, Max Planck Institute of Ornithology, Radolfzell, GER
2016 Visiting Postdoc, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK