I am an associate professor in the Biosystematics Group at Wageningen University, The Netherlands, led by Prof. Eric Schranz. My research focuses on the evolutionary pathways that have shaped the complex interactions between plants, herbivorous insects, their symbiotic microbes, and their natural enemies (hymenopteran parasitoids). In addition to exploring the fundamental aspects of the evolutionary ecology of insect-microbe-plant interactions, I am committed to translating this knowledge for the benefit of society and relevant stakeholders.

As an entomologist within the Biosystematics Group, I serve as an educator, ambassador, and advocate for insect biodiversity and conservation. I teach and coordinate two BSc courses on arthropod biology, systematics, and biodiversity: "Biodiversity of the Netherlands" (BIS-10306), a mandatory first-year course for Biology and Forest and Nature Conservation students, and "Webs of Terrestrial Diversity" (BIS-21306), a required second-year course for students specializing in Ecology within Biology. These courses combine classroom learning with hands-on experiences, including excursions and small group practicals, where students gain foundational skills in arthropod identification using both morphological and molecular tools. My primary goal is to inspire students and raise awareness about the diversity of arthropods, the importance of insect identification, their critical role in providing essential ecosystem services and economic value, and the urgent need for insect protection and conservation.

I am actively involved in efforts to conserve insects and prevent an "ecological Armageddon" through biodiversity inventories and measurements, which have led to the discovery of new species. My research seeks to understand the evolution of species interactions that drive insect biodiversity and to develop agricultural approaches that integrate multiple pest management strategies, such as biological control, crop resistance, and diversity. These pesticide alternatives support sustainable agriculture and align with the circular agrofood system promoted by the Dutch government and the European Union, ultimately helping to preserve and enhance insect biodiversity.

I contribute to insect conservation and seek solutions to prevent an ‘ecological Armageddon’ by participating in biodiversity inventories and measurements that have led to the identification of new species. Through my research, I strive to understand the evolution of species interactions that drive insect biodiversity. I aim to develop approaches for agriculture that integrate multiple pest management strategies, focusing on biological control by parasitoid wasps, crop resistance breeding, and diversity. These pesticide alternatives are part of a sustainable agriculture and circular agrofood system advocated by the Dutch government and the EU, ultimately helping to preserve and even increase insect biodiversity.

My research goals include:

1. Investigating the evolutionary, genetic, and molecular mechanisms of a butterfly egg-killing plant trait triggered by pest insects in economically important cabbage crops.
2. Exploring the evolution of butterfly anti-sex pheromones and their potential constraints by tiny Trichogramma egg parasitoids, natural enemies of butterflies and moths.
3. Supervising a PhD project on urban biodiversity, specifically studying insect biodiversity on green roofs (BiodiverCity).
4. Researching the biocontrol by parasitoid wasps of olive fruit flies in Crete, Greece, and the butterflies and moths affecting cabbage crops in Germany.
5. Examining the tripartite interactions between the fungus Fusarium attacking banana plants and the banana weevil, in collaboration with Desalegn Etalo and Gert Kema from Phytopahtology.

Students that are interested in joining me are welcome, check for MSc/BSc thesis possibilities!