Биолог

My studies focus on ongoing changes in freshwater environments, and how these affect ecological communities. The study case I work on is represented by two fish species, sister to each other, the common bream (Abramis brama) and the white bream (Blicca bjoerkna), extensively present with partially overlapping ranges all over Europe, including the southern part of Sweden. In Swedish lakes, both temperature and turbidity have been increasing over the last 70 years, and environmental change due to human influence is ongoing. In my studies, I aim at clarifying the role that abiotic variables and species interactions have in affecting patterns of co-occurrence and abundance of common bream and white bream in Swedish lakes. Together with this, I am interested in understanding possible adaptive responses of the two species to external changes. Finally, due to the similar niches occupied by common bream and white bream, I work on disentangling possible mechanisms of character displacement established by the two species.
My statistical work is complemented by population genomics analyses. With the DNA sequencing data I have obtained in the laboratory, I am able to assess the contribution of each parental species to the hybrids, which are present in increasing number in the studied lakes. This is possible by identifying diagnostic SNPs within the genomes and assessing the distribution of allele frequencies. Furthermore, the comparison of sequences of different individuals allows the detection of levels of intra- and inter-specific genetic variation. This helps to identify genes that shоwsigns of divergent selection between parental species.
In addition to research activities, my PhD involves attending courses in the fields of mathematical-statistical modelling and bioinformatics, participating in international conferences, and supervising bachelor's and master's students.

The project involved the study of gut microbiome in two freshwater fish species, the common bream and the white bream, from lakes of the Masurian Lakeland. Both the bacterial and the protist component of the microbiome were object of study. The tasks that I carried out can be summarised in the following points: 1) Sample collection; 2) DNA isolation; 3) DNA amplification; 4) Purification; 5) Sequencing; 6) Data analysis. During the project, I also had the opportunity to informally supervise two Bachelor's students.
I had the valuable opportunity to engage with various stages of the project. This exposure enabled me to cultivate a diverse set of skills. With the guidance of my team members, I gained familiarity with a range of laboratory techniques applicable in various molecular biology contexts. This experience contributed significantly to the enhancement of my problem-solving abilities. After the laboratory work, I gained insights into the use of bioinformatic tools for assessing the community composition of diverse samples. The experience was complemented by the knowledge gained through participation in the initial part of the 'Biology of Eukaryotic Microorganisms' course. In addition to the acquisition of new knowledge and technical skills, the traineeship proved fundamental in improving soft skills essential for collaboration within a larger team, such as the one in Warsaw, in contrast to the smaller group dynamics encountered in my PhD in Uppsala. This shift provided me with opportunities to develop communication and collaboration skills with various team members, enriching the overall experience. Having to supervise two Bachelor's students helped me to learn how to be supportive of people at an earlier stage in career and how to be more self-confident.

I was a volunteer in the Park thanks to the Interreg Volunteer Youth programme. My main task was to assist workers with the conservation work carried out on a daily basis. I also cooperated to the realisation of educational activities in schools. There were also many opportunities to guide both Lithuanian and foreign tourists in the Park. Important was my contribution to the LatLit project 'Visit Venta', thanks to which we promoted ecotourism in coordination with Lithuanian and Latvian authorities.

I was a volunteer in the Park thanks to the European Voluntary Service. My main task was to assist workers with the conservation work carried out on a daily basis. I also cooperated to the realisation of educational activities in schools. There were also many opportunities to guide both Lithuanian and foreign tourists in the Park. Moreover, I worked on the creation of a new website available also in Italian.

This job consisted of two different sessions. During the first session in February, we volunteers gave our contribution to the conservation of amphibians by digging holes and filling them with water, so as to recreate their typical habitat, which is currently being lost. During the second volunteering session in October, we helped with fallow deer counting, having the opportunity to work both at night and during the day.
During my volunteering work at the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, I learned that results can be achieved only if we cooperate together with the aim of reaching specific goals. I also learned how to distinguish fallow deer from roe deer and red deer.

I used to be a doorstep salesman, aiming at stipulating contracts for an electricity and natural gas provider, Italian leader in this sector. I would also promote insurance policies for the same provider. Furthermore, I was in charge of a small team of sellers, and I was responsible for their performance towards the manager.
I have learnt how to be confident and proactive when approaching unknown people, even not interested in the products being sold. This job has also taught me how important sacrifice is, in order to be able to achieve clear objectives in a low amount of time. Being in charge of a small team has considerably helped me to enhance my leadership skills.

I used to be a doorstep salesman. I was aiming at stipulating contracts for an electricity and natural gas provider, Italian leader in this sector.
I have learnt how to be confident and proactive when approaching unknown people, even not interested in the products being sold. This job has also taught me how important sacrifice is, in order to be able to achieve clear objectives in a low amount of time.

We representatives were supposed to attend Bachelor's Degree Committee meetings and to bring there students' voice. We used to organise periodical meetings with other students so as to discuss among us about problems regarding our study course. Subsequently, students' opinions were reported by us to the teacher members of the Bachelor's Degree Committee. In the committee we would discuss about how to solve issues and how to improve teaching quality.
Having been students' representative in my Bachelor's Degree Committee, I acquired valuable skills in the area of communication and social relationships. I had to become capable of listening and interpreting other students' needs and to present them effectively to the committee. We representatives asked, and obtained, that the evaluation scores given by students to each course be made public.

Phytoplankton observation and classification. Completing this internship was crucial to develop my Bachelor's degree thesis, in order to acquire the required skills.

Two consecutive contracts with the University of Perugia gave me the possibility to work as a porter at the Biological Sciences Learning Centre. I worked during the period mentioned for a total of 300 hours. I was responsible for opening and closing the centre, the classrooms and other halls and for the supervision of the area.