Modelling group dynamics

I am collaborating with the Kalahari Meerkat Project (in particular Prof. Tim Clutton-Brock and Dr. Frank Groenewould from Univ. Cambrdige) on developing individual-based models of meerkat (Suricata suricatta) group dynamics.

For my MS thesis, I used remote sensing technologies and species distribution modelling to investigate the current and potential future distribution of alien invasive plant species in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains. The Carpathian Mountains contain high levels of biodiversity and endemism but are increasingly pressured by unsustainable land use and invasion. Changing land-use patterns towards more fragmentation and degradation of natural ecosystems promote invasion and I hope to contribute to the scientific discourse on the potential levels of invasion and implications for ecosystems. I continue to collaborate with local stake holder in Ukraine to improve range shift predictions  of invaders, and we just got a large grant from the BES accepted to establish a long-term  monitoring program.