Research
Integrating technology, ecology, and conservation science
RESEARCH FOCUS
Biodiversity Monitoring
Developing and implementing monitoring frameworks to trak impact of conservation efforts
Technology Integration
Applying machine learning, bioacoustics, and remote sensing technologies to advance wildlife monitoring, species identification, and ecological research.
Conservation Science
Translating research findings into actionable conservation strategies through evidence-based approaches and stakeholder engagement.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Machine Learning and Acoustic Indices as Proxy for Biodiversity Richness
Used innovative machine learning models (BirdNet) using bioacoustic data for automated bird species identification in Sierra Nevada ecosystems and compare with Acoustic Indices (ACI) under different ecosystems and conditions. This research advances non-invasive monitoring techniques and enables large-scale biodiversity assessment.
Methodology
- Collected and processed acoustic recordings from multiple field sites
- Conducted species richness modeling across different forest types and structures
- Compare BirdNet results with Acoustic Indices results
Galite Archipelago Lacertidae Study
Investigated the endemoic subspecies of lacertid lizard Psammodromus algirus doriae that exist only in 2 islets in the archipelago. We expect that this subspecies could be potentially a new species for science. Genetic analysis is undergoing.
Research Activities
- Conducted field surveys across multiple islands in the archipelago
- Conducted genetic sampling
RESEARCH RECOGNITION
National Geographic Explorer
2023
Selected for biodiversity documentation and conservation storytelling through the Tunisian Wonders project.
Fulbright Scholarship
2021
Competitive merit-based fellowship for graduate research in wildlife ecology and conservation technology.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Bioacoustics & Machine Learning
Developing automated monitoring systems using acoustic data and AI for non-invasive species detection and biodiversity assessment.
Island Biogeography
Understanding species distribution, endemism, and conservation priorities in Mediterranean island ecosystems.
Wetland Conservation
Monitoring wetland biodiversity, waterbird populations, and ecosystem health in North African landscapes.
Statistical Modeling
Applying advanced statistical methods for species distribution modeling, population dynamics, and ecological pattern analysis.
Reptile Ecology
Investigating population biology, habitat use, and conservation needs of North African herpetofauna, particularly lacertid lizards.
Conservation Planning
Integrating research outcomes into strategic conservation frameworks, protected area management, and policy development.
METHODOLOGICAL EXPERTISE
Field Methods
- Transect and point count surveys
- Mark-recapture techniques
- Acoustic monitoring
- Habitat assessment protocols
- Camera trapping
- Specimen collection and preservation
Analytical Approaches
- Machine learning & AI applications
- Statistical modeling (GLM, GAM, mixed models)
- Species distribution modeling
- GIS and spatial analysis
- Bioacoustic signal processing
- Population viability analysis
Technical Skills
- R
- Python (data science & ML)
- SQL (database management)
- QGIS & ArcGIS
- Git version control
- High-performance computing
Laboratory Work
- Morphometric measurements
- Diet analysis (stomach contents)
- Age determination techniques
- Specimen curation
- Tissue sampling
- Data quality control
RESEARCH COLLABORATION
I'm open to research collaborations, data sharing, and partnerships that advance conservation science in Mediterranean and North African ecosystems. Areas of particular interest include technological innovation in monitoring, capacity building, and evidence-based conservation strategy development.