Research
![](https://wp.unil.ch/bertelsmeiergroup/files/2020/03/New-Mexico-USA-pic-by-Josh-Kouri.jpg)
I am interested in eco-physiological adaptations of insects to thermally stressful environments and the consequences those adaptations have on community structure.
![](https://wp.unil.ch/bertelsmeiergroup/files/2020/03/BCI-Panama-683x1024.jpg)
My previous work was based in Panama, where I tested desiccation resistance and thermal tolerance of canopy and litter ants. I continued my tropical research during a post-doc at University of Louisville where I focused on behavioral adaptations of canopy ants to heat stress, and the effect of long-term soil warming on litter ants.
Currently, I am using a naturally occurring gradients of temperatures, by comparing between different islands of varying sizes that are equidistant from the mainland in Croatia. I have been comparing ant community compositions, functional traits and thermal limits between these islands to quantify the effect of climate on ant communities.
![](https://wp.unil.ch/bertelsmeiergroup/files/2020/03/Cephalotes-atratus-Panama-Canopy-768x1024.jpg)
Contact Jelena
University of Lausanne
Biophore
Office room: 3223
Phone: +4121 692 4249
Fax: +4121 692 4165
jelena.bujan[@]unil.ch
Languages: Croatian, English
![](https://wp.unil.ch/bertelsmeiergroup/files/2022/03/DJI_0736_R.jpg)
CV
2019 – present | Post-doctoral researcher Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland Advisor: Prof. Cleo Bertelsmeier |
2017 – 2019: | Post-doctoral researcher Biology Department, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA Advisor: Prof. Steve Yanoviak |
2011 – 2017 | Ph.D. Biology Department, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma, USA Dissertation Title: “The role of biogeochemistry and climate in a Neotropical ant community” Advisor: Prof. Mike Kaspari |
2004 – 2009 | BA & M.Ed. Biology and Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Croatia. Thesis Title: “Ant fauna (Hymenoptera:Formicidae) in Croatian peat bogs” |