Group

My research profile covers a range of topics that address major questions in evolutionary biology and behavioural ecology, which are also closely linked to the global challenges of human-induced environmental change, animal behaviour and the evolutionary ecology of pathogens. Currently, I am investigating the ecological factors influencing the spread of invasive mosquito species, their ecological impacts and their role in the spread of pathogens.

My main research focus is the study of insect behaviour and ecology. Currently, I am working on the acoustic communication of mosquitoes, specifically the ecological and biological determinants of mosquito sounds. We are also developing a method for identifying mosquito species based on their sound, using artificial intelligence. I am also studying the mating behavior of tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), specifically the pre-mating acoustic communication. My research interests include insect behavior and ecology, parasite-host interactions, and the effects of rapid environmental changes caused by human activities.

I joined the Mosquito Monitor programme in November 2024, where my main tasks include developing and coordinating the concept of ecological mosquito control with relevant scientific and market actors, organising professional workshops and conducting communication activities related to mosquito control. In my free time, I am happy to participate in voluntary activities such as building wildlife tunnels for frogs and organising environmental education and awareness raising activities on behalf of the Traces of Wilderness Foundation for Nature Conservation.

My work is to study the acoustic communication of mosquitoes. We use mosquito sound recordings in a citizen science project and are developing a sound-based mosquito species identification algorithm (in collaboration with an artificial intelligence research group). I am also working to understand how environmental and biological factors influence mosquito sounds and their acoustic communication.

Within the Mosquito Monitor project, I participate in field and laboratory work, including sample collection and assisting with mosquito identification tasks. I also manage certain databases.

My main research area focuses on invasive mosquito species and their ecology. I am particularly interested in clarifying the distribution and vector role of invasive mosquitoes recently appearing in Hungary, as well as studying pathogens transmitted by endemic mosquito species — with special emphasis on the transmission of West Nile virus.

Beyond vector ecology, I also investigate the potential role of mosquitoes in pollination through experimental studies, alongside examining hoverflies as important pollinators. In addition, I work on dipteran species of practical relevance in Hungary.

My research centers on disease ecology and parasitology, with a particular focus on the One Health framework. I primarily study mosquito-borne diseases, including parasites and viruses, but I also have a broad interest in wildlife and human health. I joined the Mosquito Monitor in January 2022 and contribute to fieldwork, laboratory work, data analysis, and occasionally science communication. My overarching goal is to understand the factors that shape host–parasite interactions, and to identify the ecological and environmental drivers behind them. To achieve this, I conduct regular surveillance of wild carnivores, domestic animals, and other wildlife, such as avian hosts, using different methods such as citizen science and molecular surveillance.

My main focus is working with the reports received from citizens: I identify the observed mosquito species based on the images sent in, provide feedback to volunteers and then I compile these observations into an uniform data set which is then used to generate live maps and figures seen on the website. I also help with identifying samples collected on the field and assist in other research activities.

My scientific interests focus on theoretical evolutionary and ecological issues, so I primarily work with computer modelling and data analysis. I joined the Mosquito Monitor in May 2023 and am involved in organisational and communication tasks and data analysis. In addition to Mosquito Monitor data, I also work with data from other citizen science projects, so I also examine more general methodological issues. I am also conducting research on human evolution.

I study animal communication, with a primary focus on birdsong and bat acoustics, exploring how signals are shaped by ecological context, behaviour, cultural transmission, and environmental change. My work often combines field experiments, long-term monitoring, and large acoustic datasets to understand both the mechanisms and functions of vocal signals. I’m especially interested in how communication evolves, how it responds to human-induced environmental pressures, and how innovative analytical tools can open new possibilities for studying these processes. In mosquito studies, I help with the acoustic investigations.