I’m a population geneticist and molecular biologist who studies how marine populations are connected—and why that connection matters for ecosystems and the people who rely on them. 

My research centers on small pelagics, especially Scomber colias, because they sit at the crossroads of ecology, fisheries, and food security. 

I build multi-proxy stories from DNA variation (microsatellites, SNPs), otolith shape, and otolith microchemistry to reveal stock structure and connectivity along Northwest Africa. That integrative lens was the backbone of my doctoral work at Mohammed V University and my long internship at INRH, where I developed and analyzed genetic markers, and paired them with otolith-based approaches to cross-validate signals across methods.

I’m equally comfortable at the bench and behind a terminal. In the lab, I handle DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, electrophoresis, genotyping, sequencing, and method optimization with a strong focus on quality assurance. Analytically, I work in R and Python, using multivariate statistics and both supervised and unsupervised machine learning to turn complex datasets into clear inferences. In population genetics I rely on tools like Genepop, STRUCTURE, Arlequin, AMOVA, and GenAlEx to test clines, hierarchy, and assignment. I design studies with repeatability in mind and communicate uncertainty without diluting the message.

Fieldwork keeps me grounded. Time at sea on the Dr. Fridtjof Nansen and Al Amir Moulay Abdellah taught me to design sampling that survives real conditions—tight windows, shifting weather, and practical constraints. Internships at CIIMAR (Porto) and IMR (Bergen) expanded my toolkit in otolith microchemistry and population genomics and sharpened my ability to harmonize protocols across teams and borders. I like research that moves: from deck to lab to model to a sentence a policymaker can act on.

Teaching is a second home for me. I’ve delivered Master’s courses in Biology and led “R for Biologists” workshops designed for hands-on learning. My approach is simple: start with the biological question, then guide students from concept to code to interpretation. I use active learning—code-alongs, problem-based labs, and mini-projects—and assess what actually matters: reproducible scripts, readable plots, and concise, well-argued reports. Whether online or in the classroom, I aim to make methods feel accessible, rigorous, and relevant. Mentoring is a joy; the best moment is watching a student teach a concept better than I did.

My publications reflect this integrative path: a PeerJ paper on Scomber colias population genetics using microsatellites, a Fisheries Research article on otolith shape–based stock discrimination, and a co-authored ICES Journal paper revealing a genetic cline in round sardinella. I’ve shared this work at international venues from Lisbon and Nouakchott to Tangier and Bali, earning recognition for clear, engaging communication. Service matters to me too—organizing conferences, leading and mentoring within student associations—and I keep my learning sharp through certifications in machine learning and biodiversity genomics. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, I adapt my message to the room without sacrificing scientific honesty.

What I bring to a team is an integrative mindset, steady execution under pressure, and communication that bridges science and practice. What drives me next is deepening multi-proxy frameworks that fuse genomics, otolith chemistry, and environmental data to map connectivity through space and time. 

The goal is human and practical: evidence that helps sustain resilient ecosystems and the communities that depend on them—and students who are ready to carry that work forward.