Ajay Valiyaveettil Salimkumar
Biography
Education
-Master in Marine Environment & Resources (MER2030) 2022-2024
Université de Bordeaux (UBx), France (I Semester)
Itsas Biologia eta Bioteknologia Esperimentalen Ikerketa Zentroa (PIE-UPV/EHU), Spain (II Semester)
Université de Liège (ULiège), Belgium (III Semester)
Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften der Universität Bremen (MARUM), Germany & AMGC Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium (IV Semester)
-Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc) 2018-2022
Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, India
Research Profile
I am a marine biochemist currently enrolled in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's in Marine Environment and Resources. My academic pursuits revolve around unraveling the intricate biochemical processes underlying marine ecosystems. With a profound interest in paleoceanographic reconstructions, I delve into the utilization of various proxies to understand the evolutionary dynamics of our oceans. My academic journey has taken me from research at Plentzia Marine Station (PiE-UPV/EHU), where I investigated the intricate relationships between microalgae and environmental stressors, to contributing to the Arctic Sampling (HgFJORD/SEASOL project, 2023) at the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI). These experiences, alongside utilizing C, N, S isotopes, and Hg stable isotopes, have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of environmental impacts on phyto-zooplankton communities.
Driven by a desire to delve deeper into marine organism evolution and proxy utilization for climate reconstructions, I am currently pursuing a Master's thesis research examining the effects of pH on calcification, metabolic, and physiological changes of cultured benthic foraminifera. Through classical (δ 13C and δ 18O) and clumped isotopic (Δ47) analysis, I aim to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying foraminiferal responses to environmental changes, contributing to refined paleoceanographic reconstructions. Additionally, I am studying the effect of pH on the dissolution of planktonic foraminifera shells using clumped isotopes. In summary, my journey in marine biochemistry and paleoceanographic reconstructions fuels my dedication to unraveling the complexities of our oceans and shaping our understanding of marine ecosystems.
Working with Dr. Marion Peral and Prof. Philippe Claeys