CREAF

• 1992. PhD in Biology. University of Barcelona, Spain.
• 1992-1994. Associate Professor. University of Barcelona, Spain.
• 1994-1996. Post-doctoral Researcher. Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Logan, USA.
• 1997-2001. Associate Researcher. Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory, USA-ARS, Logan, USA.
• 2001-2003. Associate Research Professor. Utah State University, Logan, USA.
• 2003-2007. Ramón y Cajal Researcher. Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain.
• 2007 to date. Researcher. CREAF, Bellaterra, Spain.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Plant-pollinator interactions. I am interested in understanding the flower and pollinator biological attributes underlying the structure of plant-pollinator networks. I am also studying the relationship between network structure and pollination function. Collaborators: A. Rodrigo (CREAF).

Host-parasitoid interactions. I am studying the structure of host-parasitoid food webs and their spatial and temporal variability using cavity-nesting bees and wasps as study systems. Collaborators: A. Rodrigo (CREAF), X. Arnan (Federal University of Pernambuco).

Evolution of flower shape. I am collaborating with colleagues in Andalusia in a series of studies that aim to understand the role of pollinators as drivers of the evolution of floral shape in the genus Erysimum (Brassicaceae). Collaborators: J.M. Gómez (CSIC, Almeria), F. Perfectti (University of Granada).

Pollinator communities. I am studying the role of local (flower and nesting resources) and landscape effects (habitat type, fragmentation) on the spatial distribution of pollinator communities, both in natural and agricultural environments. Collaborators: A. Rodrigo (CREAF), X. Arnan (Federal University of Pernambuco), A.M. Klein (University of Freiburg), N. Blüthgen (University of Darmstadt), P. Hambäck (University of Stockholm), G. Alins (IRTA, Lleida).

Crop pollination. A good part of my research has focused on the development of rearing and management methods for Osmia and Megachile solitary bees to pollinate orchard and legume crops. I continue to work in this topic. Collaborators: W.P. Kemp (USDA-ARS, Fargo, North Dakota).

Bee ecotoxicology. I am conducting research on lethal and sublethal effects of pesticides on bees. I am a member of the ICPPR working group developing pesticide risk assessment protocols for solitary bees (Osmia). Collaborators: F. Sgolastra (University of Bologna).

Life cycle ecophysiology of solitary bees. I am studying the ecophysiology of Osmia and Megachile during development and diapause. The ultimate objective is to understand how climate change may affect the phenology and population dynamics of solitary bees. Collaborators: W.P. Kemp, G.D. Yocum, J.P. Rinehart (USDA-ARS, Fargo, North Dakota), F. Sgolastra (University of Bologna).

Parental investment. I am interested in understanding how solitary bees of the genus Osmia allocate resources among their offspring, and how these decisions affect sex ratio, body size, survival and fitness.