David L. J. Vendrami

Profile

My primary research interest is the application of genomic-based analyses to address relevant ecological and evolutionary questions that are useful for gaining a better understanding of ecosystem dynamics and for the management and conservation of animal species. My work focuses on the exploitation of NGS data, such as RAD sequencing and Whole Genome Sequencing, using bioinformatic tools to develop population genomics interpretations of animal and plant species in relation to ecosystem patterns.

Despite my genuine interest towards all living beings on Earth, my academic career has predominantly centered on marine organisms and have recently dealt mostly with Antarctic taxa. Indeed, I’m currently studying the genomic basis of fitness in the Antarctic fur seal and the population genomics of the Antarctic sea snail Margarella antarctica. Nevertheless, I’m also collaborating on projects on brittle starts, non-Antarctic pinnipeds, shellfish and even non-marine organisms such as blue tits, American robins and even palm trees.

Previous Research and Other Interests
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I acquired both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at the University of Ferrara. In order to write my BS thesis, I joined the Marine Turtle Rescue Center (CRTM) located in Linosa Island in summer 2012 to study the ecology and behaviour of the endangered Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), as well as to contribute to the monitoring of cetacean species around Linosa Island.

As part of my MS degree, I spent one year at the NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center in Santa Cruz, to decipher the life-history traits of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using genetic analysis. This research has been the focus of my MS thesis. During that time, I also had the opportunity to present the results of my work at the 2014 Coastwide Salmonid Genetics Meeting held in Juneau. This was my first time presenting at a conference.

Subsequently, I earned my PhD here at the University of Bielefeld under the supervision of Joe Hoffman. During my PhD project I primarily investigated the population genomics of four European shellfish species, but I could also apply and improve my skills as a geneticist to a number of other projects which I’ve collaborated to. During this time I was an Early Stage Researcher within the Marie Curie CACHE Initial Training Network (ITN), whose overall aim was to understand how the ability of marine mollusks to produce their calcareous shells is impacted by increasing climate change-driven ocean acidification.

Then, my first Postdoc focused on the study of patterns of population genetic structure over time at different geographic scales in the Antarctic limpet Nacella concinna. More specifically, I investigated how chaotic genetic patchiness (CGP) can emerge in this study system and what are its determinants.

In addition to my research activity, I like focusing my attention on playing Capoeria, juggling, slacklining and playing bass and guitar. I also like cooking, reading and occasionally playing JRPG video games.

Curriculum Vitae
  • 2019–Present: Postdoctoral researcher – University of Bielefeld
  • 2015–2019: PhD Student – University of Bielefeld & Marie Curie Initial Training Network fellow
  • 2012–2015: Master’s Degree in Ecology and Evolution, University of Ferrara
  • 2009–2012: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, University of Ferrara

Publications

You can find David’s full publication list on ORCID.

Contact Details

Department of Evolutionary Population Genetics
Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec)
Faculty of Biology
Bielefeld University
33615 Bielefeld
Germany

email: david.vendrami[at]uni-bielefeld.de / david.vendrami[at]edu.unife.it
skype: david.vendrami1