BrainMap

Florina Stanescu

PhD

Reseracher and Associate Professor - UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer | PhD supervisor

I study the biological and ecological processes shaping life-history trajectories and resilience in amphibians and reptiles under the framework of Life History Theory. I am especially interested in studying populations living at the edges of their distribution, biological ranges or subjected to various sources of environmental stress. My wish is to generate knowledge that can lead to solutions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable human development.

Web of Science ResearcherID: I-7510-2016

Expertise & keywords

Predicting the response of alpine communities to global changes Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0818 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Project website: https://alpchange.ecoportal.ro/

Abstract:

Mountains are a highly heterogeneous, dynamic, yet increasingly vulnerable terrestrial environment undergoing rapid changes. Mountain regions have warmed considerably over the last century, and future temperature increases are expected at high altitudes, making alpine species particularly suitable for tracing climate-change impacts. The project Alp-Change will be conducted in Retezat National Park and will assess and predict shifts in the distributional range size and changes in the structure of alpine populations and communities caused by direct effects of human activities (i.e. fish stocking of alpine lakes, tourism and grazing) and indirect effects of environmental stressors (i.e. climate change).

The specific objectives of Alp-Change are to integrate available historical biodiversity occurrence data and human impacts in a georeferenced database, document human-induced altitudinal range shifts and changes in life history traits of selected species and taxa, evaluate changes in the taxonomic and functional components of alpine biodiversity over time, assess the spread and impact of alien species, develop predictive species distribution models incorporating climate variables and life history parameters, and, identify the most appropriate indicators for a long-term monitoring program. The practical outputs of the project will be the proposal of a long-term monitoring program and a set of measures to mitigate threats to alpine biodiversity.

Social and ecological effects of Fish removal in Mountain Ecosystems Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-BIODIVRESTORE-FishME 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); Ecole Nationale Superieur Agronomique Toulouse (FR); University of Innsbruck (AT); Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ES); University of Barcelona, Centre for Research on Ecology and Forestry Applications (ES); Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment, Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Bern (CH)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Project website: https://fishme.ecoportal.ro/

Abstract:

Mountain ecosystems worldwide face multiple threats arising from global change and its interactions with socio-cultural, economic and political developments. Together, these factors impact on the ability of mountains to support the livelihoods of more than 50% of the human population with essential ecosystem services. Based on past and current observations, as well as climate projections, aquatic mountain ecosystems are particularly vulnerable and at risk. In light of their roles as major water reservoirs for humankind and as biodiversity hotspots in generally sparse high-altitude landscapes, this is a major concern. Besides climate change, fish stocking of naturally fishless lakes has been identified as particularly detrimental to water quality and biodiversity. Due to the magnitude of the ecological impact and to the global extent of fish introductions into mountain lakes, introduced fish are perhaps the most important threat to mountain lake biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and water quality. This threat is particularly important as fish introductions co-occur with a number of other anthropogenic activities such as human population growth, changing economic activities, land-use change, urbanization, pollution, loss and degradation of aquatic habitats, overexploitation, flow modifications and alien species invasions. Together and in interaction with climate change, these factors accelerate and exacerbate the environmental and ecological degradation of mountain aquatic ecosystems and the loss of unique species and life forms. Yet, despite strong concerns over the long-term health and functioning of aquatic ecosystems, experimental and restoration studies that link fish stocking to pollution, aquatic disease ecology, and ecosystem health, are still scarce.

Fish will address the following main questions:

1. What are the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental drivers for fish stocking in mountain lakes?

2. What is the impact of fish stocking and which are the future social and ecological trajectories of the ongoing invasion process under climate and global change scenarios?

3. How can the detrimental effects of fish introductions be mitigated, while minimizing the impact on the livelihood and well-being of local human populations?

Coping with a changing climate – what can we learn from amphibians? Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală - PD-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2021-0260 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/amphichange/home

Abstract:

This proposal is focused on amphibians, currently the most imperiled group of terrestrial vertebrates, and particularly vulnerable to changes of the environmental conditions. There is general consensus in the scientists’ community that climate change has the potential to drive amphibians’ declines globally, affecting their biology and distribution, either directly or indirectly. Thus, understanding their life-history patterns, such as aging and growth in relation to climate is of paramount importance in predicting population responses to climate change across broad geographic scales. The study aims to (i) improve the current knowledge regarding the biological and climate drivers that shape aging and growth patterns in amphibians, and (ii) use this knowledge to provide a quantitative measure of the potential impact of climate change on the life trajectories of these organisms. This research will yield specific outputs to inform amphibian conservation: (i) a ranking of the most relevant climate variables shaping patterns of aging and growth; (ii) a ranking of most vulnerable species/populations to climate changes.

TRL4 Remediation Eco-technology of tailing dams in function of geochemical, geomorphological and ecological SETing Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2584 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Project website: https://resetbiogeochemistry.wordpress.com/

Abstract:

The goal of this project is to advance towards TRL4 level a TRL3 eco-stabilisation technology for tailing dams facilitating the dispersion of the mobile populations surrounding the site. The technology consists in manipulating the tailing substrate by a combination of amendments, native plants and microorganisms and designing the spatial structure of the restored vegetation in a way compatible with the needs of the mobile species pool surrounding the tailing dam surface. The technology has been developed on a pilot tailing dam and will be prepared for application on the largest tailing dam in Romania (Cupru-Min, 1 km2 surface), still active, planned to be closed in 18-20 years.

The objectives of the project are: 1) To upscale with improvements the 2x2 m2 myco-phytoremediation solution to 10x10 m2 and test the applicability of the remediation solution on the largest tailing dam in Romania, Roşia Poieni, and 2) To infer the potential structure of microhabitats associated to vegetation on the largest tailing dam in Romania by studies on the mobile species pool surrounding the Roşia Poieni site. The first objective is reached by three activities:

• Up-scaling the eco-remediation technology to 10 x 10 m2 with PGBP improvement, split in two phases (installation and monitoring)

• Characterization of the geochemical, geomorphological setting at Roşia Poieni tailing dam

• Three-variate pot experiment with Roşia Poieni tailing material, split into two phases (installation and monitoring)

The second objective is reached by two activities:

• Characterization of the ecological setting at Roşia Poieni tailing dam

• Optimal design of microhabitats for the acceleration of ecological succession on tailing dams.

A final activity integrates the results from these objectives to produce the TRL4 deliverable of the project.

The partners have complementary infrastructure, long experience of cooperation in mining areas, and common high level publications on the topic of the project.

Tools for modeling processes at the interface between water, soil, plants and air in order to promote the sustainable management of groundwater dependent ecosystems and their integrating river basins Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0721 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PEDOLOGIE, AGROCHIMIE SI PROTECTIA MEDIULUI - ICPA BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PEDOLOGIE, AGROCHIMIE SI PROTECTIA MEDIULUI - ICPA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE STATISTICA MATEMATICA SI MATEMATICA APLICATA AL ACADEMIEI ROMANE''GHEORGHE MIHOC - CAIUS IACOB' (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "VALAHIA" TARGOVISTE (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Project website: http://inter-aspa.ro/index.html

Abstract:

Seven institutional partners from four Romanian development regions joined in a consortium focused on the following priorities: “The sustainable administration of water resources, river basins and wetlands, and “the development of scientific knowledge in the field of air, water and soil, including their interfaces”. The goal of INTER-ASPA project is to create an innovation environment able to support over multiple strategic cycles the disciplinary, inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research of processes at the interface between air, soil, plants and air. The general objectives of the project are: 1) To manage the integration of research directions, infrastructure and human resources within the cluster of institutions to generate basic and applied knowledge about interface processes, 2) To produce a toolbox for environmental services supporting the integrated management of water, soil and biological diversity resources in Romania, 3) To open and manage communication channels with the end-users of the project’s products and to develop web accessible information systems. The correlated program of institutional development has a modular structure, covering aspects from strategic level to the tactical level of infrastructure and human resource formation, and to the operational level of four research projects. One project is mono-disciplinary in hydrogeology, one is inter-disciplinary, and two are trans-disciplinary, oriented towards societal and economic issues. We will produce 29 environmental services in level 2-4 of readiness, 2 software programs, all transferred to end-users. Sixteen end-users have provided support letter for the project.

Mobilities for reasearchers Call name:
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2019-0087 2019 - 2019

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Mobility for participation to the XXth European Congress of Herpetology, Milan, Italy.

Mobilities for reasearchers Call name:
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2019-0120 2019 - 2019

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Mobility for training in soundscape analysis at Chorus Institute, Grenoble, France.

Mobilities for reasearchers Call name:
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2018-1017 2018 - 2018

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Access to museum collections and research infrastructure at:

- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito

- Universidad Particular de Loja (UTPL), Loja (Ecuador)

Management concept for Central European vineyard ecosystems: Promoting ecosystem services in grapes Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERA-FACCE-PromESSing 2015 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Project website: http://www.promessing.eu/index.php

Abstract:

New approaches are needed to secure food production while creating sustainable agricultural systems requiring as few external inputs

as possible. The interaction between biodiversity and ecosystem services (ESS) is recognized to play a key role in this context

although large gaps in knowledge exist. Cultivation of grapevine as a perennial crop, characterized as a highly input-intensive crop

often grown for several decades on exposed locations with particular climatic conditions, has a high potential of providing ESS linked

to biodiversity since viticulture does not aim at producing maximum yield but rather high quality products. Additionally, viticulture can

provide high levels of biodiversity inside the cropped area which cannot be found in annual cropping systems. Thus, viticultural

systems provide ideal conditions for analyzing ESS relevant for the grapevine grower such as soil fertility and stability, water retention,

pest and weed control as well as grape quality in relation to soil biodiversity and functioning.

The PromESSinG project responds to the need to unravel biodiversity driven processes associated with the main ESS in viticultural

systems taking different spatial (field, landscape) scales into account. A particular focus will be on soil biodiversity, as interactions

between the diverse soil biota as well as chemical and physical properties of the soil environment are fundamental for the provision of

soil-based ecosystem services. The intended research will be conducted in temperate (non-Mediterranean) vineyard systems in

France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Romania, thus covering a gradient from maritime to continental climates. In a common

study with all countries involved and using a standardized sampling design we will analyze the links between diversity of soil relevant

species groups (soil microflora including mycorrhiza, macrofauna, plants), soil function and respective supporting, regulating and

provisioning ESS. Management effects on these interactions are analyzed on two different scales by combining a) the factor soil

management including three vineyard ground management treatments of different disturbance intensities with b) the factor landscape

management consisting of three landscape heterogeneity levels. In addition, individual studies based on already existing experimental

sites in Germany, Switzerland and France focusing on nitrogen fertilization and farming type (integrated, organic, biodynamic) will

further promote knowledge on biodiversity-ESS relationships in the vineyard. Thus, the major aim of PromESSinG is to identify

management options for promoting biodiversity linked ESS in order to reduce external inputs in Central European vineyard

ecosystems.

The PromESSinG project will integrate the entire knowledge chain from providing novel and improved techniques for measuring ESS

in viticulture, performing empirical research in a common study across countries, to fostering exchange and consultation with local and

regional stakeholder in each country. The knowledge will be spread at all levels inside and outside the European Union to all major

relevant stakeholders and interested parties to achieve improvements in the utilization of ecological services provided by soil and

landscape management for the grapevine grower.

Is range limited by life history, environmental conditions or biogeographical barriers? A study case using spadefoot toads (genus Pelobates). Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0173 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Universitatea Ovidius Constanta

Project partners: Universitatea Ovidius Constanta (RO)

Affiliation: Universitatea Ovidius Constanta (RO)

Project website: http://www.pelobates.ro

Abstract:

The spadefoot toads (genus Pelobates) are highly specialized species with a narrow ecological niche. Two related species occur in Romania and while their ranges are mostly allopatric, they overlap in southeastern Romania at their limit: northern limit for P. syriacus and southern limit for P. fuscus. The present project will link habitat and life-history data of the two related species in their area of sympatry to prevent their rapid decline by promoting sound conservation measures. The goals are to quantify the differences in life history between the two species, to evaluate habitat use and tolerance to aridity and salinity, and to predict range and range shifts. There are six work-packages. The first four are actual data providers: (i) geo-referenced past and present distribution database, (ii) field-studies for mapping species distribution, habitat use and habitat requirements, population structure, trophic niche and reproductive success, (iii) experimental studies of tadpole metamorphosis and post-metamorph growth rates, (iv) laboratory analysis of age structure and morphometrics. The last two work-packages will analyze and integrate the results, model species distribution and population viability and elaborate a conservation action plan. The study will integrate a variety of methods and techniques in the effort to understand past and present changes in distribution range and predict future changes under different scenarios.

Adaptive strategies in amphibians under environmental stress Call name: P 3 - SP 3.1 - Proiecte de mobilități, România-Belgia (bilaterale)
PN-III-P3-3.1-PM-RO-BE-2016-0005 2016 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); Universite de Liege (BE); INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

Proiectul urmăreşte estimarea impactului schimbărilor climatice globale asupra unor specii-model de amfibieni. Speciile selectate diferă prin caracteristicile ciclului de viață și modul de folosire al habitatului. Aceasta va permite generarea unor predicții pertinente referitoare la modul în care organismele sunt capabile să reacționeze la modificări de mediu. Vom evalua în special modificările intervenite atât în parametrii caracteristici ai ciclului de viață (metamorfoză, creștere, supraviețuire), cât și în parametrii comportamentali (tipare comportamentale, utilizarea habitatului, îngropare, dispersie). Proiectul este constituit din patru pachete de lucru: (i) efectul aglomerării asupra larvelor de amfibieni; (ii) caracterizarea tiparelor comportamentale la broaşte săpătoare în condiţii distincte de mediu; (iii) efectul mediului de origine (hipogeu vs. epigeu) asupra creşterii la larve de salamandre; (iv) impactul salinităţii în stadii incipiente de dezvoltare. Complementaritatea în expertiză a partenerilor va permite o abordare unitară. Toate experimentele planificate sunt originale și privesc organisme puțin cunoscute până în prezent din cauza modului de viață criptic (fosorial sau hipogeu). Experiența anterioară a laboratoarelor noastre în lucrul cu aceste specii și folosirea unor tehnologii moderne (urmărirea nocturnă a activității folosind lumina infra-roșie, video-tracking-ul și interpretarea computerizată a imaginilor) va spori valoarea rezultatelor.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects