MEMBERS

Jacopo G. Cecere, co-head of the lab

Researcher, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA)
I have a special interest in the foraging ecology of breeding birds, which I seek to investigate through state-of-the-art tracking techniques. I have broad interests in the ecology of birds, which leads me to work also on other topics and collaborate with researchers with different backgrounds.

Diego Rubolini, co-head of the lab

Associate Professor of Ecology, University of Milan
I have broad and diverse research interests in avian research and evolutionary ecology. These include (...but are definitely not limited to!) migration ecology, climate change effects, reproductive ecophysiology, sexual selection, maternal effects, and sibling interactions. I have always been fascinated by bird movements, but began to be seriously interested in movement ecology only after teaming up with Jacopo. I entirely share Jacopo’s enthusiasm for tracking birds and for conducting field research.

Simona Imperio

Researcher, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA)
I am particularly interested in impact of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance on animal populations, either mammals or birds. I love applying statistical methods to analyse ecological data: abundance estimates, population dynamics, animal movements, behavioural ecology… That’s fun!

Michelangelo Morganti

Researcher, National Research Council – Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA)
My research topics spread over avian ecology and evolution with an eye always towards conservation issues. I have been always fascinated by bird migration and movements that I’m now studying under different perspectives, recently supported by cutting-edge tracking devices. As Diego, Jacopo and the rest of the Lab, I’m also a field-working addict…!

Federico De Pascalis

Researcher, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA)
I am a movement ecologist with research interests relating to animal movement and conservation science. My research is aimed at understanding drivers of foraging decisions in wild animals, according to habitat and climatic features. I am particularly passionate (someone could say almost obsessed!) with seabirds and marine ecosystems, and I am a field-work addict.

Sara Cioccarelli

Postdoc, National Research Council – Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA)
My research focuses on investigating the effects of climate change on the behaviour and morphology of birds. I have a special interest in spatial behaviours, from habitat selection to the mechanisms underlying navigation and visuo-spatial cognition in birds. Enthusiastic and ready for avian adventures!

Ioannis Kalaitzakis

PhD student, University of Milan
My research revolves around the spatial ecology of birds across various spatiotemporal scales; foraging, migration and movement ontogeny. I am most excited when analyzing movement data and especially applying statistical methods, aiming to highlight what drives such movements. Lastly, as a marine biologist, I have a sweet spot for seabirds.

Federico Tossani

PhD student, University of Milan
I have a strong interest in the movement ecology of marine megafauna, particularly seabirds. My research utilizes tracking techniques, remote sensing and statistical analyses to investigate seabirds' behavior and ecology. Currently, I am focusing on the interaction between seabirds and marine anthropogenic litter, especially plastics, aiming to understand its impact from both a physical and toxicological perspective. My work often crosses into broader ecological questions, and I enjoy collaborating with researchers from diverse fields.

FORMER MEMBERS (always collaborators of the lab)

Joan Ferrer Obiol

--- Former Postdoc at University of Milan
My research interests are in using phylogenomics, comparative genomics and population genomics to learn more about the evolutionary history of birds with a particular interest in seabirds. I am particularly interested in investigating the genetic basis of complex traits such as migratory behaviour in birds combining genomics with ecological data.

Jennifer Morinay

Postdoc, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, UK --- Former Postdoc at the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA)
I am a behavioural and evolutionary biologist, with a special interest in the evolution of information use for decision-making in animals. In particular, I am studying how the use of personally and socially acquired information affect habitat selection in different contexts, and how such behaviours evolved and are affected by individual’s experience, personality and cognitive abilities. While using birds as model systems, I am especially keen on using both experiments and long-term monitoring to unravel the fascinating complexity of their habitat selection during breeding, foraging and non-breeding.

Giacomo Assandri

Researcher, Università del Piemonte Orientale --- Former Postdoc at the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA)
I am an applied ecologist with a special interest in the effect of human activity on biodiversity and related conservation issues. I have mostly worked on birds in a variety of agroecosystems, but I am fascinated by every living organisms and ecosystems. I am quite new to movement ecology, but I already see its great potential to answer broad theoretical and applied questions in my research field.

Davide Scridel

Conservation scientist, BirdLife Slovenia (DOOPS) --- Former Postdoc at CNR-IRSA
My research focuses on studying the impact of environmental changes (climate change and land use changes) on bird ecology and conservation in a variety of habitats, including mountain ranges and marine environments. To gain deeper insights, I have recently entered the field of movement ecology, with a particular interest in analysing bird behavior during both breeding (foraging trips, habitat selection) and non-breeding periods (migration). I am most at ease when I am out in the field chasing birds!

Marie Claire Gatt

Freelancer --- Former Postdoc at University of Milan
I am an avian ecologist, especially fascinated by migration and movement ecology, and interactions with life-history traits. Over the past decade I have mostly been involved with the study of (procellariiform) seabirds, looking into carry-over effects, foraging behaviour, and personality traits.