People

I am a marine biologist with strong interests in the chemistry of marine systems. For the past 30 years, I have studied the biology and chemistry of sea ice and the underlying waters in the Arctic and Southern Oceans and the Baltic Sea. At the same time, I have researched how organic matter released from soils into rivers influences microbial activities as it passes through estuaries and coastal waters.

My aim at the University of Helsinki is to combine these research interests to investigate how the chemistry of water influences the biology as it passes from soil to rivers and coasts. Naturally, this is all within the framework of a rapidly changing Arctic due to global climate change.

Please, read my interview “.

David Thomas'

David Thomas'

David Thomas'

David Thomas'  

In my PhD, I focus on the interplay of biogeochemical cycles and microbial communities in Arctic peatland and permafrost environments. I am especially interested in carbon cycling in palsa soils and adjacent small freshwaters, like thaw ponds and streams. My work combines microbial ecology and bioinformatics with biogeochemistry. I utilize methods like high throughput sequencing, variety of metagenomics tools and dissolved organic matter quantity and quality metrics. My research is funded by Kone Foundation, and supervised by David N. Thomas, Jenni Hultman (Natural Resources Institute Finland) and Hermanni Kaartokallio (Finnish Environment Institute).

Nea Tuomela on

Nea Tuomela on

Nea Tuomela on

My research addresses transformative change in humanity’s relationship with the ocean. As a long-time international ocean policy professional, I have become concerned about the serial failures of international goals and targets related to the ocean, along with the continuing decline in biodiversity. Going beyond economic values and goods and services, I explore how accounting for multiple values can create greater human connection to the ocean, and how such values can be reflected in ocean governance to produce transformative change for biodiversity and people. I am particularly interested in cultural values as expressed in ocean stories and their role in ocean stewardship. I also explore how conflicting values are reflected in the governance of contested ocean areas, offering differing outcome scenarios. Finally, I look at conditions that that foster greater inclusivity and innovation to create bright spots in ocean conservation, and help foster greater connection and empathy with the ocean.

Marjo Vierros on

My doctoral research focuses on cryptophyte algae as a novel source of antimicrobial bioactive compounds. I investigate how different growth phases (exponential, stationary, decline) and culture conditions—such as temperature, light spectrum, salinity, and nutrient availability—affect the production and antimicrobial activity of these compounds. By evaluating the influence of environmental factors on bioactive compound composition and efficacy against pathogenic bacteria, this study addresses a significant knowledge gap regarding cryptophytes in algal biotechnology. The research is funded by EDUFI and conducted under the supervision of Dr. Jaanika Blomster, Prof. David Thomas (Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki), and Prof. Päivi Tammela (Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki).

Shah Urme on

Shah Urme on

My doctoral research focuses on the biogeochemistry and brownification of Finnish surface waters. In my research, I examine the quantity and characteristics of dissolved and particulate organic matter, with a particular emphasis on their optical properties. This research is funded by the Emil Aaltonen Foundation and Maa- ja vesitekniikan tuki. It is conducted under the supervision of Prof. David N. Thomas (University of Helsinki), Doc. Hermanni Kaartokallio (Finnish Environment Institute), and Doc. Eero Asmala (Geological Survey of Finland). 

Eveliina Piispanen on