Droevendaalsesteeg 10
6708 PB Wageningen
The Netherlands
Fabien Noel Theunissen
About
PhD candidate, working on the effects of climate change on embryonic development of egg-overwintering insect species [Heteroptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera].
Biography
Fabien Theunissen is a PhD candidate at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW). He obtained his MSc in evolution and ecology as part of the interdisciplinary research project "InsectMow" at the University of Tuebingen, Germany. His research focuses on the effects of climate change (temperature shifts) on the embryonic development of egg-overwintering insect species. His broader interests include plant-animal interactions, insect morphology, biodiversity and soil ecology.
Research groups
Dossier
Seasonal timingResearch Expertise
Insect biodiversityCV
Employment
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PresentPhD candidate at NIOO (KNAW)
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2025–2026TA at the University clinic in Tuebingen, Germany
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2024–2025Lab-assistent at the Zmbp at the University of Tuebingen, Germany
Education
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2021–2024MSc evolution and ecology
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2017–2021BSc Biology
Projects & collaborations
Projects
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Insect egg development in a warming world: an eco-evo-devo approach to assess the adaptive potential of wild populations (InsectDevelop)
Insect populations worldwide are dramatically declining. Especially insects that overwinter as eggs are in decline, as egg development strongly depends on temperature. To survive climate change, the temperature response of egg development needs to adapt. This project investigates the adaptive potential of wild insects by determining which genes underly how egg development responds to temperature in wild populations. We will investigate 12 different species to determine whether the same genes are involved in different insects. We will use this information to assess whether wild insect populations harbor variation for these genes, which is an important determinant of their adaptive potential.