In my PhD Project at iDiv I will apply RADseq analyses to identify molecular mechanisms of rapid evolution in native and non-native Conyza canadensis populations. Landscape genomics will unravel adaptive and non-adaptive drivers of the global genomic structure of this cosmopolitan weed. Available common garden data will allow studying genomic associations for intraspecific trait variation for phenotypic (competitive ability) and metabolomic data (root exudate profiles). 

I have a Master’s degree in Ecology and Biodiversity (2018 – 2020) from São Paulo State University (UNESP, Brazil). Previously, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Ecology (2012 – 2017) at the same university. I was interested in understanding how defaunation affects seed dispersal. To this, I applied a combination of molecular techniques and fieldwork.

June 2021 – now: PhD researcher

German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv). Current project: “Harnessing the power of RADseq data to achieve a more mechanistic understanding of rapid evolution”.

Advisor: Dr. Isabell Hensen, Co-advisor: Dr. Christoph Rosche

2018-2020: MSc in Ecology and Biodiversity

São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil. Thesis: “Seed dispersal limitation and its genetic consequences in Atlantic Forest remnants”.

Advisor: Dr. Marina Corrêa Côrtes, Co-advisor: Dr. Carolina da Silva Carvalho

2012-2016: BS in Ecology

São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil. Senior thesis Dispersal limitation by distance and genetic diversity of Juçara palm seeds in Atlantic Forest fragments”.

Advisor: Dr. Marina Corrêa Côrtes, Co-advisor: Dr. Carolina da Silva Carvalho

LUCAS M, CARVALHO C, CORTES, M. Genetic and phenotypic variation of the seeds of a palm tree in remnants of the Atlantic Forest. In: XX Latin American Scientific Initiation Meeting, 2016, São José dos Campos, SP-Brazil. Revista Univap online especial edition, 2016. v.22. p.1 – 127.

CARVALHO C, VALVERDE J, SOUZA M, RIBEIRO T, NAZARETH S, GALETTI M, CÔRTES M. The role of thrushes in maintaining the genetic diversity and structure of a tropical palm. Ecosistemas, v. 28, p. 26-34, 2019.

CARVALHO C; LUCAS, M; CÔRTES, M. Rescuing intraspecific variation in human impacted environments. Journal of Applied Ecology. Journal of Applied Ecology, v. 58, n. 2, p. 350-359, 2021.

CARVALHO, C; GARCIA, C; LUCAS, M; JORDANO, P; CÔRTES, M. Extant fruit‐eating birds promote genetically diverse seed rain, but disperse to fewer sites in defaunated tropical forests. Journal of Ecology, v. 109, n. 2, p. 1055-1067, 2021.