Papers
2
Total Citations
101
H-Index
2
About
Astrid Cruaud is a molecular biologist and evolutionary geneticist whose research sits at the intersection of genomics, phylogenetics, and biological control. She is particularly recognized for her pioneering work on developing optimized molecular protocols tailored to minute arthropods — organisms that present significant technical challenges due to their extremely small body size and limited DNA yield. Her most influential contribution, published in 2019 and amassing over 91 citations, introduced streamlined DNA extraction and library preparation workflows specifically designed to enable target enrichment sequencing in chalcid wasps, a group of tiny parasitoid insects widely deployed in biocontrol programs. By making these cutting-edge genomic approaches accessible and cost-effective for ecologically important but technically difficult organisms, Cruaud has substantially advanced the field's ability to reconstruct robust evolutionary phylogenies and improve species identification in biocontrol contexts. Her work bridges fundamental evolutionary biology with applied entomology, offering practical tools that researchers and practitioners can use to better understand and harness the biodiversity of parasitoid wasps. Her contributions have meaningfully lowered barriers to high-throughput sequencing in challenging taxonomic groups, making her a valued figure in the broader community of insect genomics and systematics.
Research Focus
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