I am broadly interested in natural sciences, particularly biology.

My research experience has revolved around understanding how biological and environmental processes
within and among populations or species produce biodiversity and adaptations and how to preserve them. 
​Below, some of the main topics of my studies: 
​
Genomic susceptibility to extinction
ENDEMIXIT: a whole-genomes approach to study and protect endangered Italian endemics (and many spin-off projects). 
​Follow us in the ENDEMIXIT's website (click here)!
Picture
Figure from von Oosterhout C. Nat Ecol Evol 4, 1004–1006 (2020)
Genetic load in non-model organisms
How to estimate the burden of deleterious mutations without direct fitness information?
​Developing theoretical and bioinformatics approaches to quantify genetic load using whole genomes
Biological invasions
Why some biological invasion fail and other succeed?
​Understanding the determinants of range expansion and contraction using both successful and failed colonizations
Repeated hybrid zones in marine snails
Observing evolution in action before our eyes through hybrids in beautiful shores to uncover the processes underlying biodiversity.
​Multiple lines of research all involving Littorina snails, check the Littorina Research Team's website (click here)!
Picture
Picture courtesy of Axel Meyer
Asymmetry and lateralization
Exploring the origin and maintenance of bilateral head asymmetry and lateralized behaviour in an unique example of balanced polymorphism
Sympatric speciation in cichlid fishes
How species diverge in absence of obvious isolation?
Why some species speciate even in sympatry and others do not?
​Looking at multiple potentially adaptive traits and their genomic architecture to understand speciation and adaptation in cichlid fishes
Connectivity in marine invertebrates
What are the biological and abiotic factors affecting gene flow, diversity and distribution in marine populations?
​Towards an Integrated Coastal Zone Management of the European shores
Picture
Picture: © Manfred Bortoli
Conservation genetics of a crucial marine fishery resource
Investigating genetic differentiation and conservation actions in the Mediterranean Bluefin tuna