Areas of expertise
Biography
I obtained my Master's degree in Organic Chemistry in 2007 and my Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2011, both from the University of Jyväskylä. After completing my doctorate, I relocated to Oulu, where I worked as a researcher for over ten years. Since January 2022, I have served as the Research Manager for the InFLAMES Flagship here in Turku.
I possess robust industrial and academic networks across various fields, ranging from high-content screening to cancer research. My experience includes preparing major international applications, seeking new partners, providing feedback on application texts, various tasks related to the compilation of funding applications, advocacy actions, and science politics. I am well-acquainted with numerous national and international foundations, MSCA, Horizon Europe, Business Finland, and the Research Council of Finland calls.
Teaching
I have been teaching biochemistry and medical students for over a decade. My teaching responsibilities have included laboratory courses and lectures covering topics such as metabolism, matrix biology, structural biology, and cell biology. In addition, I have been involved in preparing and grading entrance exams for biochemistry students, as well as developing laboratory courses and a course on data management.
I have successfully supervised three doctoral theses to completion and am a co-supervisor for two doctoral candidates. Additionally, I have supervised six Master's theses, three Bachelor's theses, and multiple trainees.
Research
I completed my Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, which was followed by a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology in collaboration with Biotie Therapies Corporation. My doctoral thesis was centered on integrin research, employing a diverse array of methods from molecular modeling to cellular assays.
Over the past ten years, my research has focused on matrix biology, specifically emphasizing tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and cancer. My methodological expertise includes a wide range of techniques, such as mouse models and bone marrow transplants, confocal and electron microscopy, CRISPR/Cas9, lentiviral transduction, high-content imaging, cancer biology, organ-on-a-chip technology, and organ cultures. Beyond matrix biology, I have been involved in several drug discovery projects targeting different types of cancers.