Daniela Perez

Dr. Daniela Perez is a Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Germany, affiliated with the Genes and Behavior lab. Her research focuses on the evolution of animal behaviors, particularly collective movements in nematodes and avian nest architecture. She combines theoretical and empirical approaches, leveraging global collaborations and macroevolutionary data.

Education & Appointments:

• PhD in Evolution, Ecology & Genetics (2013–2017), Australian National University
• Postdoc at Max Planck Institute (2021–present)

Research Interests: Evolution of sexual signals, extended phenotypes, and collective behavior. Current projects explore 3D collective phenomena in C. elegans and nest diversity in birds. Collaborations include studies on ant melanism and lekking dynamics.

Awards:

• Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (2023–2025)
• CAPES Young Talent Fellowship (2020)
• Best Poster at ASSAB Conference (2014)

Grants & Teaching: Secured multiple grants including Holsworth Wildlife Endowment. Taught courses in behavioral ecology and macroevolution at ANU and Universidade Federal do Paraná.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Serena Ding Research Group at MPI-AB, specializing in collective behavior and evolutionary mechanisms.