” I am a student in the direct PhD program at the school of Zoology in Tel-Aviv University under the suprervision of Prof. Micha Ilan. I study the ecology, connectivity, and biodiversity of shallow  (up to 30 meters) and mesophotic (80-120 meters) sponge populations and communities in the Mediterranean Sea. My research focuses on the factors that make the Israeli mesophotic habitats biodiversity hotspots and understanding their potential as refuges for sponge species facing threats induced by human activities, such as the rise in sea water temperatures and pollution. My research will (and already is) contribute to the promotion of marine conservation and management of marine protected areas in the Israeli coast”.

RECEIVED MEDITERRANEAN SEA SCHOLARSHIP for 2024