Docent Susanna Lehvävirta

susanna.lehvavirta(at)helsinki.fi Tel: +358 (0)9 191 50054 Mobile: +358 (0)50 576 2952 Botanic Garden, Finnish Museum of Natural History P.O. Box 44, Jyrängöntie 2 FI-00014 University of Helsinki FINLAND

Research | Teaching | Publications

My research is interdisciplinary and problem-driven. This means that as I am interested in trying to find solutions for nature conservation, the main questions of my research are often inspired by practical problems and gaps in knowledge. To find optimal solutions one usually needs a holistic approach to understand the ecosystem. Furthermore, in order to apply research results in conservation, different fields of science are often needed to understand the human society, i.e. it’s values, decision making, juridical barriers etc.

In addition to basic ecological questions related to urban nature I currently focus on recreational and aesthetic aspects. My specific interests concern urban forests, decaying wood, edge effects, psychological restoration, trampling, regeneration of trees, philosophical aesthetics of urban nature and green roofs.

I am also interested in climate change related research topics such as ex situ conservation of plants in Botanic Gardens.

Currently, I'm leading the following projects:

Assisted migration (Avustettu leviäminen - sopeudu, muuta tai kuole)

The fifth dimension - green roofs (Viides ulottuvuus - viherkatot osaksi kaupunkia)

Enhancing Sustainable Urban Development through Ecosystem Services - ENSURE

World Design Capital - Helsinki

>> Published papers in peer reviewed scientific journals from 2007

Recent University post

I worked 2007-2009 as the project manager of opening the Kumpula Botanic Garden  for public and as the organizer of a European Botanic Garden’s Congress, EuroGard V.

Teaching

I supervise Doctoral and Master’s Theses and give lectures on ecology, aesthetics and recreational psychology focusing on urban nature. I also like to teach methodological-philosophical issues. One of the latest innovations was a course arranged in cooperation between the Botanic Garden and MA program on Environmental Art, University of Art and Design Helsinki for students coming from the University of Arts and different disciplines at the University of Helsinki. As the end product of the course several inspiring pieces were installed for the inauguration of Kumpula in 2009.

Leisure activities

I keep myself active when off duty by dancing, singing, picking berries and mushrooms, doing yoga and meeting friends and spending time with my family.