Alexander Cerwenka | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Alexander Cerwenka | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Alexander Cerwenka, SNSB-ZSM, Germany

Dr. Alexander Cerwenka is a dedicated technical assistant at SNSB-Zoologische Staatssammlung München, overseeing the operation, maintenance, and supervision of light microscopy equipment, Micro-CT, and scanning electron microscope since August 2016. He also serves in the Evertebrata varia section. From October 2016 to May 2018, he was a scientific associate at SNSB, working on the “BioniCut” project for high-performance saw blades. Previously, he was a research associate at the Technical University of Munich, studying the invasion front of Neogobius melanostomus in the upper Danube River. 🌊🔬🦠🪚📊

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

2010-2014: Ph.D. in Aquatic System Biology 🐠 Research on evolutionary, population genomic, and ecological mechanisms of simultaneous invasion processes of two closely related fish species (Neogobius ssp.) in the upper Danube. 2008-2009: Preparation of DFG Application for Ph.D. 🎓 Focus: Evolutionary, population genomic, and ecological mechanisms of simultaneous invasion processes of two closely related fish species (Neogobius ssp.) in the upper Danube. 2002-2007: Studied Biology at the Technical University of Munich 📘

Experience

Since 8/2016: Technical Assistant 🔬 Managing all light microscopy equipment, micro-CT, and scanning electron microscopes. Since 8/2016: Technical Assistant in the Evertebrata varia section 🦋 10/2016-5/2018: Scientific Employee 🛠️
Project: “Bionically optimized high-performance saw blades for woodworking (BioniCut)”.

Awards

Rüdiger-Riehl-Preis 2015 🏆 In recognition of scientific achievements in the dissertation: “Phenotypic and genetic differentiation of invasive gobies in the upper Danube River.”

Research focus

Dr. Andreas F. Cerwenka’s research focuses on the ecology and invasion biology of aquatic species, particularly invasive gobies in European rivers. His studies explore the ecological impacts, dispersal patterns, and adaptive strategies of invasive species like the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and their effects on native ecosystems. Through field experiments and molecular analyses, Cerwenka investigates how environmental conditions and human activities influence the success and spread of these invasions. His work also includes evaluating methods for population assessment and the impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity. 🌊🔬🐟🌍📊

Publication top notes

Bigger is better: characteristics of round gobies forming an invasion front in the Danube River

Comparative feeding ecology of invasive Ponto-Caspian gobies

A systematic approach to evaluate the influence of environmental conditions on eDNA detection success in aquatic ecosystems

Effects of sampling techniques on population assessment of invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus

Shell morphological versus genetic identification of quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) and zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)

Invasion strategies in round goby (Neogobius melanostomus): Is bigger really better?

Synergistic impacts by an invasive amphipod and an invasive fish explain native gammarid extinction

Isotope evidence for preferential dispersal of fast-spreading invasive gobies along man-made river bank structures

Phenotypic differentiation of Ponto-Caspian gobies during a contemporary invasion of the upper Danube River

Population trends of invasive alien gobies in the upper Danube River: 10 years after first detection of the globally invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)