# Simone Blomberg
**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/428
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920
Dr
# Simone Blomberg
Email:
: [s.blomberg1@uq.edu.au](mailto:s.blomberg1@uq.edu.au)
Phone:
: [+61 7 336 52506](tel:+61 7 336 52506)
## Positions
Associate Professor in Statistics
: School of the Environment
: Faculty of Science
## Overview
### Background
Methods and applications of statistics in evolutionary biology and population ecology.
My research involves the application and development of statistical methods in ecology, evolutionary biology, and general whole-organism biology. My two particular research foci are phylogenetic comparative methods and other uses of statistics in ecology, evolution, and systematics. I also have a strong interest in the application of Bayesian methods, and the statistical philosophy of the nature of evidence in whole-organism biology. How and why do scientists agree that certain data are evidence for or against a particular hypothesis?
I also provide a statistical consultation service for staff and students within the School of Biological Sciences
I am interested in taking graduate students at any level who are interested in quantitative methods in biology. Students in my lab will be able to (or be willing to learn) program computers in S (http://www.r-project.org), a compiled language such as C or Fortran, and/or a scripting language such as Python or Scheme in a Unix environment. Students are also encouraged to extend or develop their mathematical skills. A background in biology, statistics, mathematics, or computer science would be valuable. I can also co-supervise students who are interested in using quantitative methods for their thesis work, but for whom such methods are not a primary focus of research.
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### Availability
Dr Simone Blomberg is:
: Available for supervision
: Media expert
### Fields of research
[Ecology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4872)
[Environmental Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4773)
[Zoology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4988)
### Research interests
- #### Models of Quantitative Trait Evolution
Macroevolution lacks mathematical theory. I am trying to develop new models of evolution and apply them to real data sets in order to bring the study of macroevolution into the 21st century. I concentrate on the use of diffusion processes as evolutionary models. Diffusions are a broad class of processes that have applications in finance, physics, and other quantitative disciplines. Their use in evolutionary studies has been at a fairly basic level, mainly using Brownian motion and the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. These two processes are simple but are not very realistic descriptions of how evolution occurs. I aim to provide more, better models together with methods to fit them to real data.
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## Works
[Search Professor Simone Blomberg’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/4786)
[All
(118)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/428/all)
[Journal Article
(110)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/428/4748)
[Other Outputs
(1)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/428/4749)
[Conference Publication
(5)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/428/4751)
[Book Chapter
(2)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/428/4752)
Featured
2020
Journal Article
##### Beyond Brownian motion and the ornstein-uhlenbeck process: stochastic diffusion models for the evolution of quantitative characters
Blomberg, Simone P., Rathnayake, Suren I. and Moreau, Cheyenne M. (2020). Beyond Brownian motion and the ornstein-uhlenbeck process: stochastic diffusion models for the evolution of quantitative characters. American Naturalist, 195 (2), 145-165. doi: 10.1086/706339
[Beyond Brownian motion and the ornstein-uhlenbeck process: stochastic diffusion models for the evolution of quantitative characters](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e5c35da)
Featured
2014
Book Chapter
##### A primer on phylogenetic generalised least squares
Symonds, Matthew R. E. and Blomberg, Simon P. (2014). A primer on phylogenetic generalised least squares. Modern phylogenetic comparative methods and their application in evolutionary biology: concepts and practice. (pp. 105-130) edited by Laszlo Zsolt Garamszegi. Berlin Heidelberg, Germany: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-662-43550-2\_5
[A primer on phylogenetic generalised least squares](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:353238)
Featured
2012
Journal Article
##### Bayesian models for comparative analysis integrating phylogenetic uncertainty
de Villemereuil, Pierre, Wells, Jessie A., Edwards, Robert D. and Blomberg, Simon P. (2012). Bayesian models for comparative analysis integrating phylogenetic uncertainty. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 12 (1) 102, 102.1-102.16. doi: 10.1186/1471-2148-12-102
[Bayesian models for comparative analysis integrating phylogenetic uncertainty](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:294660)
Featured
2012
Journal Article
##### Independent contrasts and PGLS regression estimators are equivalent
Blomberg, Simon P., Lefevre, James G., Wells, Jessie A. and Waterhouse, Mary (2012). Independent contrasts and PGLS regression estimators are equivalent. Systematic Biology, 61 (3), 382-391. doi: 10.1093/sysbio/syr118
[Independent contrasts and PGLS regression estimators are equivalent](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:274294)
Featured
2010
Journal Article
##### Picante: R tools for integrating phylogenies and ecology
Kembel, Steven W., Cowan, Peter D., Helmus, Matthew R., Cornwell, William K., Morlon, Helene, Ackerly, David D., Blomberg, Simon P. and Webb, Campbell O. (2010). Picante: R tools for integrating phylogenies and ecology. Bioinformatics, 26 (11) btq166, 1463-1464. doi: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btq166
[Picante: R tools for integrating phylogenies and ecology](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:206129)
Featured
2003
Journal Article
##### Testing for phylogenetic signal in comparative data: Behavioral traits are more labile
Blomberg, Simon P., Garland, Theodore Jr and Ives, Anthony R. (2003). Testing for phylogenetic signal in comparative data: Behavioral traits are more labile. Evolution, 57 (4), 717-745. doi: 10.1554/0014-3820(2003)057[0717:TFPSIC]2.0.CO;2
[Testing for phylogenetic signal in comparative data: Behavioral traits are more labile](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:110718)
Featured
2002
Journal Article
##### Tempo and mode in evolution: phylogenetic inertia, adaptation and comparative methods
Blomberg, S. P. and Garland, T. (2002). Tempo and mode in evolution: phylogenetic inertia, adaptation and comparative methods. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 15 (6), 899-910. doi: 10.1046/j.1420-9101.2002.00472.x
[Tempo and mode in evolution: phylogenetic inertia, adaptation and comparative methods](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:110336)
2025
Journal Article
##### Multivariate trait evolution: models for the evolution of the quantitative genetic G-matrix on phylogenies
Blomberg, Simone P, Muniz, Michelle, Bui, Mai Ngoc and Janke, Cooper (2025). Multivariate trait evolution: models for the evolution of the quantitative genetic G-matrix on phylogenies. Evolution Letters, 9 (6), 706-718. doi: 10.1093/evlett/qraf037
[Multivariate trait evolution: models for the evolution of the quantitative genetic G-matrix on phylogenies](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:fe7d473)
2025
Journal Article
##### Using a null hypothesis framework to test expectations of disparity in an adaptive radiation
Garcia, Vhon Oliver, Riginos, Cynthia, Blomberg, Simone and Cook, Lyn G. (2025). Using a null hypothesis framework to test expectations of disparity in an adaptive radiation. Royal Society Open Science, 12 (10) 250353, 250353. doi: 10.1098/rsos.250353
[Using a null hypothesis framework to test expectations of disparity in an adaptive radiation](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3fad50e)
2025
Journal Article
##### Several candidate size metrics explain vital rates across multiple populations throughout a widespread species' range
Baudraz, Maude E. A., Childs, Dylan Z., Kelly, Ruth, Smith, Annabel L., Villellas, Jesus, Andrzejak, Martin, Bachelot, Benedicte, Benedek, Lajos K., Blomberg, Simone P., Bodis, Judit, Brearley, Francis Q., Bucharova, Anna, Caruso, Christina M., Catford, Jane A., Coghill, Matthew, Compagnoni, Aldo, Csergő, Anna Mária P., Duncan, Richard P., Dwyer, John, Ehrlén, Johan, Elderd, Bret D., Finn, Alain, Fraser, Lauchlan, García, Maria B., Gremer, Jennifer R., Groenteman, Ronny, Hamre, Liv Norunn, Helm, Aveliina, Höhn, Maria ... Buckley, Yvonne M. (2025). Several candidate size metrics explain vital rates across multiple populations throughout a widespread species' range. Journal of Ecology, 113 (11) 1365-2745.70148, 3159-3176. doi: 10.1111/1365-2745.70148
[Several candidate size metrics explain vital rates across multiple populations throughout a widespread species' range](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:936d775)
2025
Journal Article
##### Artificial light influences urban habitat use by insectivorous bats
Davis, Rani, Van Rensburg, Berndt J., Haddock, Joanna, Blomberg, Simone, Dayanandra, Buddhi, Buelow, Christina, Ford, Greg and Reside, April E. (2025). Artificial light influences urban habitat use by insectivorous bats. Landscape Ecology, 40 (8) 161, 1-18. doi: 10.1007/s10980-025-02176-z
[Artificial light influences urban habitat use by insectivorous bats](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5eb08d0)
2025
Journal Article
##### Synergistic and additive effects of multiple threats erode phylogenetic and life history strategy diversity in testudines and crocodilia
Rodríguez‐Caro, R. C., Gumbs, R., Graciá, E., Blomberg, S. P., Cayuela, H., Grace, M. K., Carmona, C. P., Pérez‐Mendoza, H. A., Giménez, A., Davis, K. J. and Salguero‐Gómez, R. (2025). Synergistic and additive effects of multiple threats erode phylogenetic and life history strategy diversity in testudines and crocodilia. Ecology Letters, 28 (6) e70147, e70147. doi: 10.1111/ele.70147
[Synergistic and additive effects of multiple threats erode phylogenetic and life history strategy diversity in testudines and crocodilia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:237aab6)
2025
Journal Article
##### Diel activity correlates with colour pattern morphology of heterobranch sea slugs
van den Berg, Cedric P., Hassler, Gabriel W., Blomberg, Simone P., Wilson, Nerida G., Suchard, Marc A. and Cheney, Karen L. (2025). Diel activity correlates with colour pattern morphology of heterobranch sea slugs. Journal of Animal Ecology, 94 (6), 1165-1179. doi: 10.1111/1365-2656.70036
[Diel activity correlates with colour pattern morphology of heterobranch sea slugs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5e5a141)
2025
Journal Article
##### The fallacy of single imputation for trait databases: Use multiple imputation instead
Blomberg, Simone P. and Todorov, Orlin S. (2025). The fallacy of single imputation for trait databases: Use multiple imputation instead. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 16 (4), 658-667. doi: 10.1111/2041-210x.14494
[The fallacy of single imputation for trait databases: Use multiple imputation instead](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5e6c144)
2024
Journal Article
##### Parental care reduces parasite-induced mortality in a coral reef fish
Grutter, Alexandra S., Blomberg, Simone P., Duong, Berilin, Fargher, Bronwyn E., Feeney, William E., McCormick, Mark I., Nicholson, Matthew D., Sikkel, Paul C., Warner, Robert R. and Kuris, Armand M. (2024). Parental care reduces parasite-induced mortality in a coral reef fish. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 291 (2033) 20241966. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2024.1966
[Parental care reduces parasite-induced mortality in a coral reef fish](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c9419a0)
2024
Other Outputs
##### Data for 'Diel Activity Correlates with Colour Pattern Morphology of Heterobranch Sea Slugs'
Cedric P. van den Berg, Gabriel Hassler, Simone Blomberg, Nerida G. Wilson, Marc A. Suchard and Karen L. Cheney (2024). Data for 'Diel Activity Correlates with Colour Pattern Morphology of Heterobranch Sea Slugs'. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/a36c277
[Data for 'Diel Activity Correlates with Colour Pattern Morphology of Heterobranch Sea Slugs'](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a36c277)
2024
Journal Article
##### Manganese exacerbates seasonal health declines in a suicidally breeding mammal
Nasir, Ami F. Amir Abdul, Niehaus, Amanda C., Cameron, Skye F., Ujvari, Beata, Madsen, Thomas, von Hippel, Frank A., Gao, Sisi, Dillon, Danielle M., Buck, C. Loren, Charters, Jordan, Heiniger, Jaime, Blomberg, Simone and Wilson, Robbie S. (2024). Manganese exacerbates seasonal health declines in a suicidally breeding mammal. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 43 (1), 74-86. doi: 10.1002/etc.5753
[Manganese exacerbates seasonal health declines in a suicidally breeding mammal](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:51e1cbd)
2023
Journal Article
##### Potential for host-symbiont communication via neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in an aneural animal, the marine sponge Amphimedon queenslandica
Xiang, Xueyan, Vilar Gomez, Arturo A., Blomberg, Simone P., Yuan, Huifang, Degnan, Bernard M. and Degnan, Sandie M. (2023). Potential for host-symbiont communication via neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in an aneural animal, the marine sponge Amphimedon queenslandica. Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 17 1250694, 1-12. doi: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1250694
[Potential for host-symbiont communication via neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in an aneural animal, the marine sponge Amphimedon queenslandica](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f2ab153)
2023
Journal Article
##### Is mushy tuna syndrome a growing problem for the tuna industry?
Peter, Soni Maria Jacob, Blomberg, Simone P., Holden, Matthew H., Hoffman, Louwrens C. and Tibbetts, Ian R. (2023). Is mushy tuna syndrome a growing problem for the tuna industry?. Foods, 12 (19) 3590, 1-11. doi: 10.3390/foods12193590
[Is mushy tuna syndrome a growing problem for the tuna industry?](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:31b6ad4)
2023
Journal Article
##### Anthropogenic impacts on threatened species erode functional diversity in chelonians and crocodilians
Rodríguez-Caro, R. C., Graciá, E., Blomberg, S. P., Cayuela, H., Grace, M., Carmona, C. P., Pérez-Mendoza, H. A., Giménez, A. and Salguero-Gómez, R. (2023). Anthropogenic impacts on threatened species erode functional diversity in chelonians and crocodilians. Nature Communications, 14 (1) 1542, 1-10. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-37089-5
[Anthropogenic impacts on threatened species erode functional diversity in chelonians and crocodilians](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:40867b6)
## Funding
### Past funding
- 2022 - 2025
Ancestral state reconstruction and the evolution of Australian marsupials (ARC Discovery Project administered by Queensland University of Technology)
Queensland University of Technology
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/53005)
- 2020
A new molecular/morphological view of animal evolution based on marsupials (ARC Discovery Project administered by Flinders University)
Flinders University
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/47025)
- 2017 - 2020
A new molecular/morphological view of animal evolution based on marsupials
ARC Discovery Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/29911)
- 2016 - 2019
The ecology of trace metal contamination in native Australian mammals
ARC Linkage Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/28463)
- 2014 - 2019
Fitting non-Gaussian diffusion models to evolutionary data: towards a generalized framework for phylogenetic comparative analyses.
ARC Discovery Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/21052)
- 2012 - 2017
Population fluctuations: models, mechanisms and management
ARC Discovery Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/14017)
- 2008 - 2010
Advances in Phylogenetic Comparative Methods.
ARC Discovery Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9449)
View all 7 past funded projects
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## Supervision
### Availability
Dr Simone Blomberg is:
: Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on [how to choose a supervisor](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/how-to-choose-a-supervisor).
### Available projects
- #### Models of Evolution and the Fossil Record
Current theory suggests that including fossils in macroevolutionary studies greatly improves the identifiability of models. However, it is not known how many fossils are necessary, where they should be placed in the tree (near the tips or near the root?), and how this interacts with tree shape and tree size. Also, are the fossils more important for ancestral character recosntruction, hypothesis testing, or model selection? This project will examine these factors in detail using simulations, with the possibility of examining case studies of taxa with good fossil records.
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### Supervision history
#### Current supervision
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Applications of novel models of multivariate trait evolution in marsupials
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Katrina McGuigan](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/806), [Associate Professor Lyn Cook](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1764)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Biogeography and systematics of sedge-feeding butterflies in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Lyn Cook](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1764)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### A functional toolbox for marine microbial ecotoxicology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Inka Vanwonterghem](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13800)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Resilience potential of coral reefs in Indonesia Resilience potential of coral reefs in Indonesia (a study case between MPA and non-MPA)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Peter Mumby](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2387), [Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/196)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Evolution of semelparity in male animals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Diana Fisher](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/397)
View all 5 current supervisions
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#### Completed supervision
- 2022
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Evolution of the mammalian brain: using phylogenetic comparative methods to study brain evolution in three mammalian clades](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:cd6853b)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Rodrigo Suarez](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2597)
- 2021
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Integrating 3D geometric morphometrics with taxonomy, evolution and ecology in two threatened marsupial taxa](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:16366dc)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Robbie Wilson](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/470)
- 2016
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Understanding colour and chemical diversity in nudibranchs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:396840)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Karen Cheney](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1578)
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Proximate factors of "Mushy Tuna Syndrome" in Skipjack Tuna and an Amelioration Plan for South Pacific Fishers and Processors.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f729b1b)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Matthew Holden](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/12708), [Professor Louw Hoffman](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/22855), [Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/196)
- 2021
Doctor Philosophy
##### [The dynamics of host shifting in coevolving host-parasite systems](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3becbcf)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Jan Engelstaedter](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2795)
- 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Investigating Defensive Colouration in Nudibranch Molluscs using a Novel Analytical Framework for the Study of Animal Colour Patterns](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:fd2f2bb)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Karen Cheney](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1578)
- 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### [The fitness consequences of sociability in eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1aa7608)
Associate Advisor
- 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Assessing Bird Migrations](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d02174f)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Richard Fuller](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1992), [Professor Hugh Possingham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920)
- 2018
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Intraspecific variation in space use of coastal goanna and quantifying the impact of varanid predation on sea turtle nests at Deepwater National Park](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:fd5db8f)
Associate Advisor
- 2018
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Individual Risk Perception and Flood Mitigation: An Empirical Study of Protective Actions in Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:724789)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Alastair Stark](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2670)
- 2016
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Historical change in the marine ecology and fisheries of Australia and Kenya](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:409696)
Associate Advisor
- 2015
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Understanding population dynamics of feral horses in the Tuan and Toolara State Forest for successful long-term population management.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:373419)
Associate Advisor
- 2014
Doctor Philosophy
##### [The behaviour of humpback whales: an analysis of the social and environmental context variables affecting their behaviour on migration](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:347608)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Michael Noad](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1028), [Associate Professor Rebecca Dunlop](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1334)
- 2014
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Phylogeny and extinction risk in mammals](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:344981)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Diana Fisher](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/397)
- 2013
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Phylogeny and inter-relations of ecological traits and seed dispersal in rainforest plants: Exploring aspects of functional diversity in primary and secondary rainforests in Australia's Wet Tropics.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:290590)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Hugh Possingham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920)
View all 15 completed supervisions
View less
## Media
### Enquiries
Contact Dr Simone Blomberg directly for media enquiries about:
- Ecology - statistics
- Evolution - statistics
- Statistics - ecology, evolution
- taxonomy
#### Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:
[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)
## External profiles
- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1062-0839)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/B-7613-2008)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=7006212509)
## Personal links
- [Personal profile](https://biological-sciences.uq.edu.au/profile/450/simone-blomberg)
## Social media
- [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneblomberg/)
- [X](https://twitter.com/simoneb66)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/simone.blomberg)
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