Research Interests
Diversity and taxonomy of the Zygnematophyceae
Land plants evolved around 500 million years ago, leading to a dramatic change of life on Earth. The Zygnematophyceae are the closest algal relatives of land plants, and hence an important subject for studying evolutionary transitions. My research focuses on the diversity and taxonomy of these algae. I combine morphological analyses using light and electron microscopy with molecular approaches, including phylogenomic analyses. These data are then used for an integrative taxonomy of the Zygnematophyceae.
Ecological adaptations of terrestrial microalgae
Microalgae from various evolutionary lineages are able to colonize terrestrial surfaces, for example, rock, tree bark, deadwood and bare soil. These environments are very challenging for microalgae, as they are characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations, recurrent periods of drought and high levels of solar radiation. My research focuses on the cellular adaptations that enable microalgae to survive in these habitats. Currently, I focus on the Zygnematophyceae (the closest algal relatives of land plants) and study how these algae cope with harmful solar wavebands, especially ultraviolet radiation. My work involves the isolation and cultivation of interesting algal strains from 'high light' habitats, light and electron microscopy as well as experimental ecophysiology. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptive strategies, selected taxa are used for comparative transcriptomic analyses. This approach also provides evolutionary insights into how the common ancestor of land plants and zygnematophytes may have coped with the prevailing conditions on land.
