People

Diversity is the intrinsic nature of biological organisms and human beings as well. And by the way, we know that we all have fundamental things in common, just different living experience made us looking different.

Reza Naderloo

Associate Professor

Director of the Department of Animal Biology

My research seamlessly bridges two closely intertwined fields: systematics and biodiversity. I currently manage projects in both areas concurrently. Recognizing the urgent need to address the global biodiversity crisis, I advocate for the integration of taxonomy and phylogeny into conservation efforts. Taxonomists lay the foundational understanding of ecosystem functional groups, which is crucial because the stability of ecosystems directly correlates with species stability. This interdependence inevitably leads every taxonomist toward conservation work, collaborating closely with conservationists. Public engagement has always been a priority for me, as raising awareness is essential to advancing our scientific endeavors. I have delivered numerous presentations at various universities across Iran and have participated in discussions ranging from the Philosophy of Biology to Ecosystem Functioning and Stability in international ‘Thinking While’ (TW) programs. Additionally, I have presented a TED talk entitled ‘Unique Purposefulness of Biological Entities,’ emphasizing the intrinsic nature of life.

Dr. Ladan Fahimi

Researcher

My research interests are in systematics, phylogeny, and evolution of marine invertebrates, with a specific focus on decapods (Xanthidae and Pilumnidae). My work involves the application of bioinformatic techniques to employ phylogenetics in studying the evolutionary dynamics of various taxa. Whole genome analyses represent the most intriguing aspect of molecular science that I have begun to research and advance.

Dr. Samaneh Pazoki

Researcher

My research encompasses systematics and the evolution of invertebrates, especially the polychaetes. I am fascinated by molecular studies to learn more about the speciation and evolutionary pathways. I employ phylogenetics and population genetics using bioinformatic approaches to address the evolution in different taxa. So far, I have participated actively in several national and academic projects on the biodiversity and barcoding of marine taxa in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. I’m going to pursue my investigation on genomics and speciation events as the MSCA postdoctoral fellow at the NHM of Oslo, Norway.

Dr. Parima Hajializadeh

Postdoctoral Researcher

I’m a marine ecologist, spending the last 10 years in the fieldtrips and collecting data on biodiversity of mangrove habitats in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman as well as the Baltic Sea. In my research I aim to explore how biodiversity’s structural and functional aspects impact ecosystem functions and services different ecosystems. Additionally, I investigate the effects of anthropogenic pressure and climate change on ecological processes. Currently, I am a postdoc researcher at the University of Tehran, focusing on the species’ effects on carbon and nutrient cycling. Beyond research, I teach courses and mentor several MSc students.

Sedigh Azizi

Ph.D. Candidate

Marine Biology

As a marine biologist, my research focuses on the ecology of a peculiar mudflat crab, Leptochryseus kuwaitense (D.A. Jones & Clayton, 1983). In mudflats, this species is the last one to live landward, even after the cyanobacteria. We are investigating its behaviour ecology, functional morphology, burrow morphology as well as its population genetics. We are also interested and trying to understand how this crab recycles the nutrient through bioturbation.

Reyhaneh Hajian

Ph.D. Candidate

Animal Systematics

My research focuses on the functional and species diversity of zooplankton, investigating how various zooplankton species contribute to mangroves ecosystem functioning. I am particularly interested in the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to enhance biodiversity monitoring. I am also interested in phylogenetics and the evolutionary relationships among different species.

Nima Hashemian

Ph.D. Candidate

Animal Systematics

I’m working on the biogeography, biodiversity, and evolutionary divergence of brachyuran crabs in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. I’m interested in marine biodiversity and evolutionary biology. I have skills and expertise in biogeography, geometric morphometrics, population genetics, phylogeny, DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.

Yeganeh Layeghi

Ph.D. Candidate

Animal Systematics

My prior field of research dealt with the distribution and taxonomy of intertidal amphipods with the main focus on the families Ampithoidae and Hyalidae along the northern coastlines of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. My current enthusiasm as a PhD candidate revolves around exploring phylogenetic relationships among invertebrates with particular interest toward phylogenetic diversity and phylogeography aiming to contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolutionary history and biogeography of the area.

Pezhman Maghsoodi

M.Sc. Student

Animal Systematics

I have recently completed my master’s degree in marine biology, focusin on the biological and functional diversity within macrobenthic communities across mangrove habitats of Gulf of Oman as well as the ecological quality of this area. I am keen further to explore the interplay between functional diversity and ecological quality to construct models elucidating anthropogenic impacts on the environmental factors and macrobenthic communities.

Parniyan Belevasi

M.Sc. Student

Marine Biology

I just finished my master’s degree. My project is focused on macrobenthic biological and functional diversity, as well as the ecological quality of mangrove tidal habitats in a mangrove biosphere reserve. During this project, I acquired many skills in sampling and sorting, species identification at all levels, and analysis and statistical tests related to biological diversity, functional diversity, and ecological quality. I am enthusiastic about continuing my research in biodiversity, ecology, and evolution.”

Pedram Ghahramani

M.Sc. Student

Animal Systematics

I recently completed my Master’s program in animal systematics, specializing in the study of biodiversity, functional ecology, and ecological quality of mangrove benthic fauna in the northern Gulf of Oman. Throughout my research, I gained experience in benthic sampling, ecological data analysis, and taxonomic identification of benthic invertebrates. Currently, I’m in the process of publishing my thesis findings, which delve into the intricate balance between functional diversity and ecosystem functioning in these coastal ecosystems. Additionally, I’m engaged in a similar project focusing on mangrove habitats in other areas of the region. My goal is to contribute to the understanding and conservation of these essential but understudied coastal ecosystems.

Fateme Rahimi

M.Sc. Student

Marine Biology

I’m interested in ecology, biodiversity, and community ecology of both terrestrial and aquatic systems. For my master thesis, I’m investigating the functional and species diversity of mangrove-associated zooplanktons along the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Niloofar Dehghan

M.Sc. Student

Marine Biology

I am fascinated by the marvelous marine world and its complex ecosystems. Throughout my studies, I have had the opportunity to gain experience in various fields such as laboratory work, field research, diving, and related courses. In addition to my passion for research, I place great importance on promoting knowledge and marine conservation. I have participated in research and educational projects concerning the significance of mangrove forests, and I am currently planning to study the biodiversity of planted mangrove forests in the Persian Gulf. I hope that through this study, I can contribute to the conservation of these valuable ecosystems. I am eagerly looking forward to sharing my findings with the scientific community and hope to advance our understanding of these marine ecosystems and their organisms.

Saeed Ebrahimnezhad Darzi

Researcher

My research interest is a mix of functional (trait-based) ecology and carbon biogeochemistry of marine benthos. I am particularly interested in linking benthos’ functional traits and proxies of ecosystem functioning (e.g., nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, biomass production) and dynamics (e.g., disturbance, resilience, recovery rate), environmental drivers and modeling of these links considering current climate and biodiversity changes. I have research experience with the subtropical, temperate, and polar benthic ecosystems.