Accounting for its large genome size, I am developing and optimizing a whole genome amplification (WGA) procedure followed by restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) to produce a reduced representation library of single-cell amplified genomes (SAGs) of G. semen. Based on a population genomic approach, I aim to explore detailed biogeographical dispersal patterns of G. semen and to understand the genetic basis of differentiation among populations in Europe as well as in North America. Along with experimental ecological studies this will help to gain mechanistic insight in phytoplankton dispersal, invasion and bloom formation processes.

By studying the differentiation among populations of this invasive and bloom-forming freshwater phytoplankton species, I contribute to exploring the implications of ecologically relevant biodiversity on a population genomic basis utilizing single-cell genomic amplification methods. Single-cell genomic analyzes will thereby allow to assess the full width of genetic diversity and differentiation in natural samples of G. semen by circumventing the effort and bias of algal culturing and thus obtain de novo genomes of uncultured lineages.