About Me
My research focuses on the development and application of mechanistic models to support decision-making in wildlife management and conservation. I am particularly interested in human-wildlife interactions within social-ecological systems, with a focus on mammals including roe deer, wild boar, and wolves, and previously the European hamster.
I completed my BSc in Biology at Hasselt University and my MSc in Biology at the University of Antwerp, specialising in Biodiversity: Conservation and Restoration.
In my free time, I love playing the cello, going to folk festivals, and spending time with friends and family. I also love creative projects, and am easily persuaded to design logos, shirts, and websites for our research group (the one you’re on right now! :)).
Research Interests
- Individual-based modelling
- (Generalised) Management Strategy Evaluation ((G)MSE)
- Human-wildlife interactions & social-ecological systems
- Wildlife management & conservation
- Good Modelling Practices & open science
Highlighted publications
Tomsin, I., Duthie, A. B., Bunnefeld, N., Leirs, H., Casaer, J., & Beenaerts, N. (2025). Evaluating Management Scenarios for the European Hamster (Cricetus cricetus) Using Quantitative Models. Ecology and Evolution, 15(10), e72353. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72353
Tomsin, I., Duthie, A. B., Bunnefeld, N., Leirs, H., Casaer, J., & Beenaerts, N. (2025). Virtuele hamsters: Wat simulaties ons vertellen over de toekomst van de Europese hamster in Vlaanderen. NatuurFocus, 24(3), 112-120.
Collaborators, Partners & Funders
- Hasselt University: host institution - Centre for Environmental Sciences, supervisor: Prof. Dr. Natalie Beenaerts
- INBO (Research Institute for Nature and Forest): co-host institution, co-supervisor: Dr. ir. Jim Casaer
- FWO: Funding Source - PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research
- University of Stirling: partner institution, co-supervisors: Prof. Dr. Nils Bunnefeld & Dr. Brad Duthie
- University of Antwerp: partner institution, co-supervisor: Prof. Dr. Herwig Leirs