Research themes
I am a plant ecologist specialising in invasive alien plant species and the phylogeography of mangroves. I work in countries in the Global South, and my research aims to offer practical and straightforward management strategies for invasive species, as well as conservation insights for endangered mangrove species.
Biological invasions are considered to be one of the major threats to biodiversity. I want to understand the dynamics of the invasion process, starting from the introduction of an organism into a new environment to its ability to cross different barriers to become an invasive species.
Plant Ecology
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Characterizing variations in plant traits (above and belowground, vegetative and reproductive) in the invasive alien plant species
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Explaining the variation based on biotic (community composition) and abiotic (soil characteristics) components of the ecosystem
Spatial Ecology
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Mapping species' distribution using geospatial technologies
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Predicting species' distribution in past, present, and future climate conditions based on species distribution modeling algorithms
Data science
Curating information on variables related to ecology, biogeography, introduction pathway, socio-economy, and distribution of the invasive alien species in India.
Phylogeography, the study of the genetic and geographic structure of populations and species, formed the core of my postdoc research. I used the knowledge to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of the mangroves as well as for the invasive alien plant species.
Invasive alien plant species
Assessing genetic diversity and population structure, and spatial pattern of genetic variation in Mikania micrantha across its invasive range
Mangroves
Assessing the geographic distribution of genetic variation of the mangroves in the Indo-West Pacific region and identifying the phylogeographic factors influencing their present-day distribution