I am primarily a theoretical community ecologist, with some complementary experience in experimental ecology, microbiology and evolution. I worked on some of the earliest metacommunity models, demonstrating how dispersal among local communities may affect both local and regional diversity. These models are important for formalizing our understanding of metacommunity dynamics. I am now incorporating elements of network ecology and ecosystem functioning into this framework.I also have integrated elements of evolutionary dynamics in my research program mainly by developing experimental approaches with microorganisms to study how evolution can shape relationships between diversity and ecosystem functioning. I am now interested in disentangling the factors that shape the different facets of biodiversity in marine ecosystems and the study of the relationship between aesthetic and biodiversity.