Department of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Life before BGU:
I did my bachelor's degree in life sciences at Tel Aviv University. I then spent a year in Mexico, carrying out research. My master's and doctoral degrees were in the Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology (MDDE) at BGU's Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research at Sede Boqer.
"Which species interact with other species and why? What structure is created when we observe all of these interactions together? How does the structure of the network influence the dynamics of the ecological populations and societies? These questions seem overwhelming, but they are of great importance "
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My research:
My research focuses on understanding complex ecological systems. Every system in nature, even the simplest, includes a number of organisms that are connected to one another through a range of interactions. Which species interact with other species and why? What structure is created when we observe all of these interactions together? On the other hand, what is the influence of each organism (and interaction) on the overall system? How does the structure of the network influence the dynamics of the ecological populations and societies? These questions seem overwhelming, but they are of great importance, mainly when examining the relationship between parasites and hosts, which is the mainstay of my research. We have found, for example, that the genetic relationships between different strains of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, may affect its ability to infect humans and its response to eradication attempts. My research is computational and combines theories and methods from ecology, evolution, epidemiology and complex systems. My Lab Website »
Why BGU?
I completed my master's and doctoral degrees here at the Blaustein Institutes. BGU was in practice my home. I always wanted to return to the University and the Negev.
An insight from my research:
Everything is connected. Both in nature and in life…. this connectivity is the origin of life on earth and dictates everything we do. Personally, my connection with the people I work with and their insights have greatly affected the understandings I have arrived at.
Something that doesn't appear on my resume:
My main passion is to get to know the world around me. I tour around as much as I can, in both nature and urban areas. I truly love music (mainly jazz), and really, really love trying out all kinds of food in all kinds of places.
A source of inspiration:
Most of my inspiration is from family and friends. My grandmother was a source of inspiration on how to take life easily and in proportion. If I had to choose a book, it would be A Brief History of Humankind.
When I grow up:
As a child, I don't remember. Today, a Lego master builder!
If I was not a researcher, I would:
be a doctor or a musician.
In Brief:
» Facebook or Twitter? Neither. I prefer meeting people face to face.
» Game of Thrones or the Simpsons? The Simpsons.
» Yoga or CrossFit? Yoga.
» Hapo'el or Maccabi? Neither.
» Chess or backgammon? Lego!
» Steak or tofu? Tofu
» X-Box or PlayStation? Neither. What happened to playing outside?
» Fortis or Sakharof? Neither. I prefer Queen.
» Classic Europe or India? Both.
» Ocean or the pool? Both.
» Morning or night? Morning.
» Winter or summer? Summer.
» Cat or dog? Dog.
» Movie or play? Both. It depends when.
Meet other researchers who joined us this year »
