Group Leader
Dr. Alexandra A.-T Weber
I am an evolutionary ecologist studying the molecular mechanisms that generate and maintain biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. My research integrates multi-omics tools, together with fieldwork and laboratory experiments, to understand adaptation, plasticity, and resilience to rapid environmental change. I primarily work on native and invasive freshwater bivalves (e.g. unionids, quagga mussels), with additional collaborative projects on other aquatic invertebrates.
Postdoctoral researchers
Dr. Joana L. Santos
I am an evolutionary biologist fascinated by how species are related, interact, and cope with environmental changes. I enjoy hands-on work and dedicate time to data analysis. Thus, my research combines fieldwork, controlled experiments, and omics approaches to understand how environmental pressures shape adaptation and evolutionary dynamics. My long-term goal is not only to advance our scientific understanding on these challenges but also to contribute to solutions that help protect biodiversity on our planet.
Dr. Arianna Lord
I am an evolutionary biologist interested in the genomics, biogeography, conservation, and natural history of invertebrates. In the Weber lab my work focuses on improving our understanding of the drivers of population decline in freshwater mussels. To do this I am exploring the molecular mechanisms of resilience and adaptation in the Unio crassus species complex.
PhD Students
Julie Conrads
I am a PhD student passionate about both exploring and studying aquatic environments. While I enjoy diving, especially when surrounded by coral reefs, my primary interest lies in the scientific understanding of freshwater ecosystems. In September 2024, I began my PhD, with a focus on the Quagga mussel and understanding the biology, ecology, and adaptive mechanisms of this invasive species in Swiss lakes. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my golden retriever, Charlie, whether we are walking or simply enjoying time together.
Silvia Signorini (Guest PhD student – University of Milan)
I am a PhD candidate in Environmental Sciences at the University of Milan. My research is in the field of ecotoxicology and focuses on the investigation of tolerance and adaptive mechanisms to anthropogenic stressors. In particular, I am currently studying how calcifying organisms are able to tolerate naturally acidified conditions, using population genomic and epigenomic approaches.
Master Students
Linus Hofstetter
I am a Master student in Environmental Science (ETHZ) in the Weber lab since December 2025. After completing an internship at Eawag in fall 2025, I stayed on to continue my work on quagga mussel development and population dynamics in Lake Constance as part of my Master’s thesis.
Giulia Pacinotti
I am a Master student from the University of Milan working on the bioinformatic analysis of quagga mussel (epi)genomics to identify signatures of adaptation to micropollutants.
Technicians
Marco Giulio
I am a molecular technician with a strong focus on organisation, precision, and reproducibility. I enjoy working with complex and valuable samples, optimising protocols, and ensuring that laboratory workflows run smoothly and efficiently. I approach challenges as puzzles to be solved and value careful thinking before action — ideally accompanied by good food!
Silvana Käser
I am an environmental scientist working as a research technician at Eawag, with a strong interest in the taxonomy and diversity of algae and aquatic invertebrates, and the impact of invasive species such as quagga mussels on ecosystems. I run the technical aspects of the long-term plankton monitoring of Greifensee, manage the microscopy lab and protist collection, and am involved in experimental studies and fieldwork. I also teach taxonomy courses on algae and aquatic micro-invertebrates and supervise apprentices and students.
Antonia Zuber
I am a part-time technician in the Weber lab. I completed my apprenticeship in Biology in 2025, and I now work with quagga mussels on multiple projects (e.g. running food experiments in the lab; helping with the monitoring in lake Constance).
Guest Researchers
Dr. Anish Kirtane
I am a postdoc at ETHZ working on developing tools for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to monitor biodiversity. At eawag, I am developing eDNA passive samplers for the early detection of invasive bivalves (Zebra mussels, Quagga mussels and Asian clam).
Lab Alumni
- Urs Lergster (apprentice) – September 2024 to July 2025
- Dr. Ellika Faust (postdoc) – March 2023 to March 2025
- Dr. Chiara Bortoluzzi (guest researcher) – October 2024 – February 2025
- Max Hofland (technician) – October 2023 to August 2024
- Julie Conrads (Master student) – February 2023 to May 2024 (now PhD student)
- Dr. Kavitha Uthanumallian (guest researcher) – November 2022 to March 2024
- Dr. Ryan J. Daniels (postdoc) – August 2022 to October 2023
- Morris Galli (technician) – March 2023 to August 2023