Cartoon illustration of a man with a beard wearing a blue cap with a red logo, large blue sunglasses, a red shirt, and a backpack.

“I study the leaves like a detective studies a crime scene — to identify the victim, read the marks, and uncover the motive.”

I study how plants have responded to insect herbivory across time and environments, combining functional paleoecology and advanced imaging techniques to reveal how these interactions have shaped forest ecosystems. Using hyperspectral imaging and synchrotron-based analyses (X-ray fluorescence [XRF] and X-ray absorption spectroscopy [XAS]), I characterize leaf herbivory signals and chemical responses—linking plant functional traits to ecological and evolutionary processes that drive biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

In parallel, I investigate the biogeographic history of Arcto-Tertiary plant lineages to understand their long-term ecological trajectories. By integrating fossil and modern data, I model their ecological niches through time to identify species once native to Europe that could contribute to assisted migration strategies and the future resilience of European and Mediterranean forests.

  • Comparison of a brown, dried leaf encased in a gray rock on the left and a green, healthy leaf on the right on a black grid background.

    Fossil and Modern leaves

  • Close-up of a fallen leaf with visible veins and a purple hue, lying on dark soil with other leaves.

    Spectral luminescence

  • Map of Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East showing geographic features such as mountains, rivers, and bodies of water.

    Biogeography Plant species

  • Scanning electron microscope images of porous biological structures. Top row: two different 3D models of porous materials. Bottom row: close-up microscopic views of the porous textures.

    Pollen

Associate Editor

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Following my experience as guest editor for a Special Issue on "Changes in Plant-Herbivore Interactions Across Time Scales: Bridging Paleoecology and Contemporary Ecology", I joined Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution as an Associate Editor in "Biogeography and Macroecology". This allows me to engage with cutting-edge research, support fellow scientists, and contribute to advancing our understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes.

Since
2024

Popular science

A promotional graphic for a podcast titled 'Après La Thèse' with a purple background. It shows icons for listening on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. There is an illustration of a red and white microphone. The podcast is animated by Ben and Cécile.

Podcast host

With my podcast "Après la Thèse"
(tr. ‘After the Thesis’), I aim to showcase the diverse career paths and experiences of PhD graduates and inspire future researchers.

Listen it
Comparison of the historic seals of the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, with one modernized in black and white style.

Writer on Sci Comm’

On Medium, I explore how scientific institutions communicate and build their brands in the digital age. Through interviews and research, I highlight strategies and inspire innovative approaches to science communication.

Read it
Me during a presentation in Aude department

Engaging with local governments

I am invited by local government bodies to share my expertise on biodiversity issues. I develop and deliver engaging presentations and workshops to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices within their communities.

Classroom with students and teacher, some students raising hands, in front of a whiteboard and posters on the wall, with the logo and text for 'Observatoire des Saisons Provence' in the top left corner.

Observatoire des Saisons [Provence]

The ODS [Provence] is a regional initiative (in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur) that engages middle and high school students in scientific observation of the phenology of plants mostly. This project aims to raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity loss among young people while contributing valuable data to scientific research. Since 2022, I have been a member of the scientific committee. I actively seek funding to sustain the project's activities and participate in outreach initiatives in schools, inspiring the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards.

A logo for Parrotia featuring a stylized red leaf with a dark blue outline of leaf veins, set against a background of a misty forest with dense green trees.

The Parrotia consortium

Parrotia, a tree genus with a rich fossil history, is crucial for understanding past and future ecosystems. Recognizing its importance, particularly in the Caucasus region, I initiated the "Parrotia Consortium".  

This consortium brings together researchers and local stakeholders to foster collaborative research and deepen our knowledge of this fascinating taxon. Our aim is to explore Parrotia's potential to contribute to Eurasian ecosystems facing global change. The consortium also seeks to explore the cultural dimensions of Parrotia, bridging scientific research and cultural heritage.  

Our first project focuses on modeling the ecological niche of Parrotia. If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please contact me.

A man sitting in a grey armchair on a wooden floor, wearing a Coca-Cola t-shirt, headphones, and sneakers, working on a silver laptop. He is smiling and looking slightly to the right. Behind him, there are large green plants, a window with blinds, and hanging light bulbs.

Digital Project Management

For nearly two years, I honed my skills as a digital project manager, both in-house and freelance. I specialized in creating bespoke websites and mobile applications for iOS and Android. My experience encompassed the full project lifecycle, from client relations and responding to public tenders to supervising development teams and bridging the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

My scientific rigor was a significant asset in this role, and in return, the challenges of the private sector, particularly client relations and project management, have enriched my approach to research and collaboration.

Founding President of Pelle M'L humanitarian association

From 2013 to 2023, I served as the founding president of Pelle M'L, a humanitarian association dedicated to supporting education worldwide. Initially focused on the 4L Trophy, activity rapidly extend on local initiatives, the association expanded its reach to include university internships in Madagascar and the transportation of school supplies to Chad in partnership with the 3eme RPIMA (French paratrooper regiment). Pelle M'L also partnered with Univerlacité (University of Montpellier) to bring science education to priority education zones, aligning with the "universal school" mission of UNESCO and initiatives of UNICEF.

These efforts strengthened ties between universities, elementary schools, and external partners, highlighting my commitment to global education and collaborative action.

World map with various country-specific images and text, highlighting UNICEF projects and activities related to education, children's rights, and humanitarian efforts. Red background with white continents, small airplane icons, and social media contact information.
A person kneeling on the ground, wearing a red and black checkered shirt and a blue cap, exploring rocks near a pile of rubble in a desert-like area with rocky cliffs in the background.
Close-up of scientific equipment with a metallic component, labeled 'PUMA V' and connected to other machinery with green and yellow straps, in a laboratory or industrial setting.
A person holding a green leaf with holes against a backdrop of tree leaves and sky.
Construction workers inspecting a damaged retaining wall in an underground tunnel, with rubble and broken rocks on the ground.
A woman and a man sitting at a conference table, smiling and having a conversation. The woman is on the left, wearing a dark patterned shirt, and the man on the right, wearing a striped shirt. The table has name cards reading 'Aixa Tosal' and 'Benjam
A man standing outdoors on a hilltop, holding a hiking stick, smiling, with a panoramic view of hills and valleys in the background.
A laboratory workspace with a black backdrop, various equipment, a laptop, a blue container with rocks, and two microscopes directed at a flat surface with an object and a remote control.
A scientist uses a blacklight to examine a rock, which fluoresces under the light. The rock is placed on a transparent stand with a blue base, and the scene is illuminated by the blue glow of the light.
A man with a beard and short hair in a white T-shirt raises his hand during a conference or meeting in a room with other attendees seated at a long table. The table is set with water bottles, paper cups, and name tags.
A person standing in front of a world map projection titled 'Mediterranean,' with some countries highlighted in orange.
Man dressed in rain gear and rubber boots standing outdoors on a dirt path, attaching a strap or buckle, with trees and grassy bushes in the background under a blue sky.
A person holding a small rock with an engraved leaf pattern, with a blurred workshop background.
Group of diverse adults posing outside on a grassy slope in front of a modern building with large windows and architectural metal framework. Everyone is wearing conference badges.
A rock with pressed leaves inside a white box, and a handwritten note in Chinese and English about a specimen of Hamamelis minimola from Shantang, Shanghai.