I obtained my MSc (Symbiotic copepods of sea stars) and PhD (Morphology, anatomy, phylogeny, and systematics of Tantulocarida) from Moscow State University (MSU) where I am currently employed as a leading researcher. The main theme of my research is the systematics and comparative anatomy of symbiotic Crustacea, and the application of phylogenetic reconstruction to examine their evolution and ecological radiation, using external morphology, anatomy and molecular markers. My research typically employs a variety of techniques and methods including transmission electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, live observations and molecular phylogenetics. My research projects have continued to focus on the enigmatic Tantulocarida as well as related groups, such as the Ascothoracida and Facetotecta, and aim at a better understanding of the relationships within the Thecostraca (barnacles and parasitic relatives). In addition, I am currently involved in various projects on symbiotic copepods, including the ultrastructure and evolution of the Chitonophilidae, the life cycle of monstrilloids, and the evolutionary origin of vermiformicity in cnidarian-associated endosymbiotic copepods.

In 2019 I hosted the 4th International Workshop on Symbiotic Copepoda (IWOSC) at the White Sea Biological Station of MSU, having previously assisted in the organization of the 4th International Congress on Invertebrate Morphology (2017) in Moscow. In 2021 I was involved in the organization of the virtual International Course on Evolution and Diversity of Meiobenthos co-organized by the University Museum of Bergen, Moscow State University, and ForBio (Research School in Biosystematics). As part of the course, I co-organized a 2-day workshop with Rony Huys on the taxonomic identification of harpacticoids, including training in using identification keys. Following on from the success of the workshop, in conjunction with the cancellation of the 14th International Conference on Copepoda in South Africa, we decided to co-organize the first virtual Copepod Conference which attracted unprecedented interest, especially from students.

As a student I have benefited enormously from my participation in the pre-conference training workshops in Khon Kaen (10th ICOC) and Chetumal (11th ICOC). It made me realize that such workshops are in many ways at the heart of WAC since they provide not only training by world experts but also present a forum and opportunity for networking among students and with professionals. This experience provided me with the impetus and enthusiasm to organize, or get involved in the organization, of similar events such as the 4th IWOSC, the International Course on Evolution and Diversity of Meiobenthos and e-ICOC 2022. During this year’s pre-conference training workshop on Biology and Ecology of Copepods at the Fisheries Laboratory in Hiroshima I acted as a tutor.
During my first term as member of the WAC’s Executive Council (2022-2024), together with Jimmy Bernot, I was instrumental in designing and launching a new exciting grant scheme for students which will now be run on a yearly basis. This Student Grant-in-Aid scheme is an important initiative which enabled us to provide financial support to three exceptional young copepodologists who will become active members of our society and will potentially attract more students to join WAC.

As a member of the Executive Council, I will contribute to the further development of WAC by helping the organization in its aims to become more transparent and provide clear benefits for its members, for example by promoting and contributing to the Grant-in-aid scheme for students. Since the number of participants in in-person copepod conferences is sometimes limited due to financial constraints I feel there is a need for more virtual meetings, including training workshops for students from all over the world and topical on-line workshops, which I would like to facilitate together with other members of the Executive Council. I will also use my network to promote WAC in countries where our organization is under-represented or not known at all. I am looking forward to be part of a diverse and dynamic Executive Council, which can bring WAC to the next level, and I will be committed with the same passion that I have shown during the co-organization of e-ICOC.