I am a PhD student interested in applying genetics and genomics to the conservation of marine macrophytes. My research experience has focused on both macroalgae and marine angiosperms, working on their cultivation, ecophysiology, and population genetics.

My PhD project explores the plasticity and adaptive potential of long-lived clones of marine angiosperms, with a focus on the Mediterranean endemic species Posidonia oceanica. This project aims to address gaps in our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms acting within marine angiosperm clones that can be hundreds of years old. In particular, it investigates the role of somatic mutations (SM) in increasing intra-clonal genetic diversity (SoGV), challenging the traditional view of clonality as a static and less adaptive reproductive strategy.

My objectives include (i) estimating the rate of accumulation of somatic mutations to use as an aging index for P. oceanica clones, (ii) assessing the effects of clone age on sexual reproduction patterns, clonal-specific responses, and intraclonal plasticity, and (iii) exploring multilevel selection in changing environments. To address these aims, the project combines fieldwork, lepidochronology, genomic analyses, and laboratory experiments.

The results of this research will significantly enhance our understanding of the persistence and resilience of the longest-lived marine angiosperm clones and may also be applicable to other clonal plants, including terrestrial species.