My research interests lie in movement ecology and the behavior of wild ungulates, with a particular focus on how these animals interact with their environment. I seek to understand how they use space, how meteorological and climatic variables influence their movements, and what strategies they adopt to navigate their habitat under both natural and human-induced challenges. Additionally, I am intrigued by the role of spatial memory in optimizing movement decisions.
Project
I have joined the group as an external PhD student from the Swiss National Park in February 2025. In my PhD, I study how snow conditions and avalanche risk influence the movement and habitat use of Alpine ibex. These movement decisions shape individual performance and, in turn, drive population-level effects. By examining both movement patterns and population trends, we aim to better understand how ibex respond to the challenges of winter.
Having always been passionate about nature and growing up near the mountains, I’ve found the Alpine ibex to be a truly fascinating species. I’m excited to combine this passion with my research—so whenever I get the chance, I’m up in the mountains, observing a group of ibex!
CV
- 2025 – present: PhD Student in Ecology, Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Universität Zürich, Switzerland & Department of Research and Monitoring, Swiss National Park, Zernez, Switzerland
- 2024: Intern, Department of Research and Monitoring, Swiss National Park, Zernez, Switzerland
- 2023: Intern → Research Assistant, Ecosystem and Landscape Evolution research group, WSL – Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and
Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland - 2022: MSc thesis, Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Universität Zürich, Switzerland
- 2019-2022: MSc in Ecology and Ethology for Nature Conservation, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Italy
- 2014-2018: BSc in Livestock Science and Animal Production Technologies, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Italy