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Areas of expertise
Biography
I hold a doctoral degree (2004) and MSc degree (1997) in Human Geography at University of Turku. The area of specialisation in my doctoral studies was regional development and regional policies. Since August 2023, I work as a university teacher at the Department of Geography and Geology.
Before my present position, I worked as a researcher and project manager Centre for Maritime Studies of Brahea Centre at the University of Turku 2006 - 2023, and (simultaneously) as a university teacher at the University of Turku Open University 2018 - 2023.
During earlier years, I worked as a researcher in Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) at Research Programme for Environmental Policy (2004-2005), as a researcher/doctoral candidate at University of Turku, Department of Geography (2002-2004), as a researcher at University of Tampere, Department of Regional Studies and Environmental Policy (2001-2002, Academy of Finland project BIAPIA), and as a Project Manager, Loimaa Region Development Centre (1997-1998).
Teaching
- Bachelor level course “Introduction to geography ” (5 cu) (MAAN6091)
- Bachelor level course "Research methods in Human Geography (5 cu) (MAAN6731)
- Teacher-tutor/academic advisor for bachelor level students (HOPS-ohjaaja/opettajatuutori in Finnish)
- Supervision of Aaqib Mohammad's Ph.D. thesis "Transforming agricultural and horticultural plastics: pathways to sustainable recycling" in collaboration with professor Tommi Inkinen (since 2025, on-going)
- Supervision of Vappu Kunnaala-Hyrkki's Ph.D thesis in collaboration with professor Tommi Inkinen since 2023 (on-going)
- Supervision of Igne Stalmokaite's Ph.D thesis ”Tracing dynamics of environmental governance and adoption of environmental innovations in Baltic Sea shipping companies” 2017-2021 in collaboration with professors Björn Hassler and Tommy Larsson-Segerlind, University of Södertörn Sweden.
- Supervision of Daria Gritsenko's Ph.D thesis ”On governance of quality shipping in the Baltic Sea. Exploring collective action in polycentric contexts” 2011-2014 in collaboration with professors Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen and Tuomas Forsberg, University of Helsinki Finland.
Research
My on-going research project focus on sustainability and circular economy of plastics (as a part of PlastLIFE project).
My earlier research focused on environmental impacts of shipping, potential to reduce air emissions and the socio-economic implications of emission regulation. My recent peer-reviewed articles have dealt with possibilities to reduce vessel air emissions and energy transition in shipping, sustainability and corporate social responsibility in maritime transport and seaports, maritime governance and regulation, and geographical research.