Research interest
I am an evolutionary plant ecologist studying the rapid evolution of plant populations, with a particular focus on invasive species. My research examines how populations differ between native and non-native regions, emphasizing the role of environmental adaptation in shaping among-population variation. To investigate these processes, I conduct greenhouse and field experiments, as well as observational studies. Additionally, I integrate population genetic approaches with metabolomic and genomic analyses to understand the eco-evolutionary mechanisms driving local adaptation. My model species include Conyza canadensis and Solidago gigantea, among others.
Projects
· iCONNECT - integrative CONyza NEtwork for Contemporary Trait evolution
BromeCast – to predict the future trajectory of the B. tectorum invasion in western North America under rapid climate change.CV
2025-now Postdoctoral researcher at Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
2021-2025 Postdoctoral researcher at Martin-Luther University, Germany
2020-2021 Research associate at The University of Pécs, Hungary
2016-2020 Research assistant at The University of Pécs, Hungary
2014-2016 Lecturer at The University of Pécs, Hungary
Publications
Thoma, A.E., Lekberg, Y., Nagy, D.U., Sheng, M., Welk, E., Rosche, C. (2025) Progress and future directions of biogeographical comparisons of plant–fungal interactions in invasion contexts. New Phytologist.
Meggyes, M., Nagy, D.U., Toth, I., Feik, T., Polgar, B., Saad, Al Deen I., Sipos, D., Szereday, L., Peterfalvi, A. (2025) Immune Checkpoint Receptor Expression Profiles of MAIT Cells in Moderate and Severe COVID-19. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 101: e70008.
Slate, M.L.*, Sporbert, M, Hensen, I., Hierro, J., Korell, L.M., Larios, L., Nagy, D.U., Pearson, D., Waller, L., Wolf, F., Rosche, C. (2025) Drivers of phenological transitions in the seedling life stage. Functional Ecology - Accepted
Rosche, C.,* Broennimann, O., Novikov, A., Mrázová, V., Danihelka, J., Gastner, M.T., Guisan, A., Kožić, K., Meyer, C., Müller-Schärer, H., Nagy, D.U., Remelgado, R., Ronikier, M., Selke, J.A., Shiyan, N.M., Suchan, T., Thoma, A.E., Zdvořák, P., Mráz, P. Herbarium specimens reveal a cryptic invasion of tetraploid Centaurea stoebe in Europe. New Phytologist, 245: 392-405.
Kožić, K.,* Hartmann, M., Callaway, R.M., Erst, I.A., Hensen, I., Nagy, D.U., Mráz, P., Bancheva, S., Diaconu, A., Danihelka, J., Ensing, D., Filep, R., Gudzinskas, Z., Hajdari, A., Ion, R., Lachmuth, S., Novikov, A., Purger, D., Slate, M., Synowiec, A., Vonica, G.D., Zuleger, A.M., Rosche, C. Performance in the recruitment life stage and its potential contribution to invasive success in the polyploid invader Centaurea stoebe Neobiota, 95: 309-329.
Nagy, D.U.,* Thoma, A.E., Al-Gharaibeh, M., Callaway, R.M., Flory, L., Frazee, L.J., Hartmann, M., Hensen, I., Jandová, K., Khasa, D.P., Lekberg, Y., Pal, R.W., Samartza, I., Shah, M.A., Sheng, M., Slate, M., Stein, C., Tsunoda, T., Rosche, C. (2024) Among‐population variation in drought responses is consistent across life stages but not between native and non‐native ranges. New Phytologist, 243: 922-935.
Lucas, M.S.,* Hensen, I., Barratt, C.D., Callaway, R.M., Durka, W., Lekberg, Y., Nagy, D.U., Onstein, R.E., Shah, M.A., van Dam, N.M., Thoma, A.E., Rosche, C. (2024) Re-focusing sampling, design and experimental methods to assess rapid evolution by non-native plant species. Biological Invasions, 26: 1327–1343.
Al-Gharaibeh, M.M.,* Bakhit, H.A., Masadeh, S., Nagy, D.U., Rosche, C. 2024. Resurrecting a locally extinct species from Jordan: Pre-germination treatments affect seed dormancy, germination dynamics and seedling survival in Rosa pulverulenta. Global Ecology and Conservation, 54: e03123
Márkus, R., Kocsis, M., Farkas, Á., Nagy, D.U., Helfrich, P., Kutyáncsánin, D., Nyitray, G., Czigle, S., Stranczinger, S. (2024) A Modeling Approach to Studying the Influence of Grafting on the Anatomical Features and SAUR Gene Expression in Watermelons. Agronomy, 14: 1472.
Szereday, L., Nagy, D.U., Vastag, F., Mezosi, L., Meggyes, M. (2024) Immunological Profiling of CD8+ and CD8− NK Cell Subpopulations and Immune Checkpoint Alterations in Early-Onset Preeclampsia and Healthy Pregnancy. International Journal Molecular Sciences, 25: 8378.
Baasan, O.,* Freihat, O., Nagy, D.U., Lohner, S. (2024) Change over Five Years in Important Measures of Methodological Quality and Reporting in Randomized Cardiovascular Clinical Trials. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease, 11: 2.
Bako, C., Balazs, V.L., Kerekes, E. Kerekes, E., Kocsis, B., Nagy, D.U., Szabo, P., Micalizzi, G., Mondello, L., Krisch, J., Petho, D., Horváth G.* (2023) Flowering phenophases influence the antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 23: 168.
Meggyes, M.,* Feik, T., Nagy, D.U., Polgar B., Szereday L. (2023) CD8 and CD4 Positive NKT Subpopulations and Immune-Checkpoint Pathways in Early-Onset Preeclampsia and Healthy Pregnancy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24: 1390.
Meggyes, M.,* Nagy, D.U., Feik, T., Boros, A., Polgar, B., Szereday, L. (2022) Examination of the TIGIT-CD226-CD112-CD155 Immune Checkpoint Network during a Healthy Pregnancy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23: 10776.
Meggyes, M.,* Nagy, D.U., Al Deen, I.S, Parkanyi, B., Szereday, L. (2022) CD8+ and CD8- NKT Cells Exhibit Phenotypic Changes During Pregnancy. Immunological Investigations, 52: 35-51.
Nagy, D.U.,* Sándor-Bajusz, K. A., Bódy, B., Decsi T., Van Harsselaar, J., Theis, S., Lohner, S. (2022) Effect of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans on abundance of Bifidobacterium and on bowel function: a systematic review with meta-analyses, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63: 12018-12035.
Baasan, O., Freihat, O., Nagy, D.U., Lohner, S.* (2022) Methodological Quality and Risk of Bias Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease Research: Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Published in 2017. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 9:830070.
Nagy, D.U.,* Rauschert, E.S.J., Callaway, R.M., Henn, T., Filep, R., Pal, R.W. (2022) Intense mowing management suppresses invader, but shifts competitive resistance by a native to facilitation. Restoration Ecology, e13483.
Szereday, L.,* Nagy, D.U., Csiszar, B., Kevey, D., Feik, T., Meggyes, M. (2021) Examination of the TIGIT, CD226, CD112, and CD155 Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Women Diagnosed with Early-Onset Preeclampsia. Biomedicines, 9: 1608.
Meggyes, M.,* Nagy, D.U., Balassa, T., Godony, K., Peterfalvi, A., Szereday, L., Polgar, B. (2021) Influence of Galectin-9 treatment on the phenotype and function of NK92-MI cells in the presence of different serum supplements. Biomolecules, 11: 1066.
Filep, R.,* Farkas, A., Lengyel, A., Imri, A., Nagy, K., Czakó-Vér, K., Nagy, D.U., Pal R.W. (2021) Helianthus tuberosus at home and away: stronger ecological impacts in invaded than in native range are not explained by arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization. Preslia, 93: 363-376.
Bodó, A., Radványi, L., Kőszegi, T., Csepregi, R., Nagy, D.U., Farkas, Á., Kocsis, M.* (2021) Quality Evaluation of Light- and Dark-Colored Hungarian Honeys, Focusing on Botanical Origin, Antioxidant Capacity and Mineral Content. Molecules, 26: 2825.
Bodó, A., Farkas, Á.,* Nagy, D.U., Rudolf, K., Hoffmann, R., Kocsis, M., Morschhauser, T. (2021) Soil Humus, Iron, Sulphate and Magnesium Content Affect Nectar Traits of Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum L.). Plants, 10: 597.
Pal, R.W.,* Maron, J., Nagy, D.U., Waller, L., Tosto, A., Liao, H., Callaway, R.M. (2020) What happens in Europe stays in Europe: apparent evolution by an invader does not help at home. Ecology, e03072
Nagy, D.U.,* Rauschert, E. S. J., Henn, T., Cianfaglione, K., Stranczinger, Sz., Pal, R.W. (2020): The more we do the less we gain? Balancing effort and efficacy in managing Solidago gigantea invasion. Weed Research, 60: 232-240.
Lucero, J. E.,* Arab, N.M., Meyer, S.T., Pal, R.W., Fletcher, R., Nagy, D.U., Callaway, R.M., Weisser, W.W. (2020): Escape from natural enemies depends on the enemies, the invader, and competition. Ecology and Evolution, 10: 10818-10828.
Wandjou, J.G.N., Quassinti, L., Gudžinskas, Z., Nagy, D.U., Cianfaglione, K., Bramucci, M., Maggi F.* (2020) Chemical composition and antiproliferative effect of essential oils of four Solidago species (S. canadensis, S. gigantea, S. virgaurea and S.× niederederi). Chemistry and Biodiversity, e2000685.
Meggyes, M.,* Nagy, D.U., Szereday, L. (2020) Investigation of the PD-1 and PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Molecules Throughout Healthy Human Pregnancy and in Nonpregnant Women. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9: 2536.
Meggyes. M.,* Nagy, D.U., Szigeti, B., Cziszar, B., Sandor, B., Tamas, P., Szereday, L. (2020) Investigation of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells expressing immune checkpoint receptors (TIGIT and CD226) in early-onset preeclampsia. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 252: 373-381.
Bodó, A., Radványi, L., Kőszegi, T., Csepregi, R., Nagy, D.U., Farkas, A., Kocsis, M.* (2020): Melissopalynology, antioxidant activity and multielement analysis of two types of early spring honeys from Hungary. Food Bioscience, 35: 100587.
Balázs V. L.,* Horváth, B., Kerekes, E., Ács, K., Kocsis, B., Varga, A., Böszörményi, A., Nagy, D.U., Krisch, J., Széchenyi, A., Horváth G. (2019): Anti-Haemophilus activity of selected essential oils detected by TLC-direct bioautography and biofilm inhibition. Molecules, 24: 3301.
Rosche, C.,* Hensen, I., Schaar, A., Zehra, U., Jasieniuk, M., Callaway, R.M., Khasa, D., Al-Gharaibeh, M., Lekberg, Y., Nagy, D.U., Pal, R.W., Okada, M., Schrieber, K., Turner, K.G., Lachmuth, S., Erst, A., Tsunoda, T., Sheng, M., Schmidt, R., Peng, Y., Luo, W., Wang, Y., Reshi, Z., Shah, M.A. (2019): Climate outweighs native vs. non-native range-effects for genetics and common garden performance of a cosmopolitan weed. Ecological Monographs, e01386.
Nagy, D.U., Cianfaglione, K., Maggi, F.,* Sut, S., Dall'Acqua, S. (2019): Chemical characterization of leaves, male and female flowers from spontaneous cannabis (Cannabis sativa var. spontanea) growing in Hungary. Chemistry and Biodiversity, e1800562.
Benelli, G., Pavela, R., Cianfaglione, K., Nagy, D.U., Canale, A., Maggi, F.* (2019): Evaluation of two invasive plant invaders in Europe (Solidago canadensis and Solidago gigantea) as possible sources of botanical insecticides. Journal of Pest Science, 92: 805–821.
Nagy, D.U.,* Stranczinger, S., Godi, A., Weisz, A., Rosche, C., Suda, J., Mariano, M., Pal, R.W. (2018): Does higher ploidy level increase the risk of invasion? A case study with two geo-cytotypes of Solidago gigantea Aiton (Asteraceae). Journal of Plant Ecology, 11: 317–327.
Bodó, A., Csepregi, K., Szata, B. É., Nagy, D.U., Jakab, G., Kocsis, M.* (2017): Bioactivity of leaves, skins and seeds of berry color variant grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.). Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 5: 16-22.
Venditti, A., Frezza, C., Bianco, A., Serafini, M., Cianfaglione, K., Nagy, D.U., Iannarelli, R., Caprioli, G., Maggi, F.* (2017): Polar constituents, essential oil and antioxidant activity of marsh woundwort (Stachys palustris L.). Chemistry and Biodiversity, 4:e1600401.
Filep, R.,* Pal, R.W., Balázs, V.L., Mayer, M., Nagy, D.U.,Farkas, A. (2016): Can seasonal dynamics of allelochemicals play a role in plant invasions? A case study with Helianthus tuberosus L. Plant Ecology, 217: 1-13.
Nagy, D.U.,* Henn, T., Waller, L.P., Pal, R.W. (2016): How initial composition affects the later development? - A secondary successional study in differently managed agricultural sites. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 14: 281-295.
Ledger, K.J., Pal, R.W., Murphy, P., Nagy, D.U., Filep, R., Callaway, R.M.* (2015): Impact of an invader on species diversity is stronger in the non-native range than in the native range. Plant Ecology, 216: 1285-1295.
Pal, R.W.,* Chen, S., Nagy, D.U., Callaway, R.M. (2015): Impacts of Solidago gigantea on other species at home and away. Biological Invasions, 17: 3317-3325.
Henn, T.,* Nagy, D.U.,Pal, R.W. (2015): Adobe bricks can help identify historic weed flora – a case study from south-western Hungary. Plant Ecology and Diversity, 9: 113-125.
Henn, T.,* Jacomet, S., Nagy, D.U., Pal, R.W. (2015): Desiccated diaspores from building materials: methodological aspects of processing mudbrick for archaeobotanical studies and first results of a study of earth buildings in southwest Hungary. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 24: 1-14.
