People

Principal Investigator. Cat person. Canoeing, metal music, poetry, arts, wine & dine. Coffee, and coffee. Did I mention coffee? For a biologist life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.

MSCA Postdoctoral researcher and coffee lover working on the evolutionary history of the physaloids (Solanaceae). I am currently focused on the evolutionary patterns of the inflated fruiting calyx, a morphological innovation characteristic of the physaloids. My main question is how this inflated calyx has affected diversification and macroevolutionary dispersion rates. To address this, I will integrate genomes, fossils, morphology, and biogeography. More about this project .

Postdoctoral researcher currently working on Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to uncover candidate genes linked to the germination performance of bread wheat under salt stress. I'm interested in understanding plant resilience and agrobiodiversity in the face of environmental change.

Doctoral student (AGFOREE) working with the intriguing world of plant host-pathogen interactions. My current focus is about deciphering the evolutionary dynamics of Oomycetes, specifically Peronospora sparsa, in conjunction with Nordic Rubus species. Employing advanced museomics techniques, I explore the historical genomes of these pathogens within herbarium specimens, aiming to uncover their evolutionary secrets across time.

Doctoral student and fitness enthusiast specializing in the systematics and conservation of Forsteronia (Apocynaceae), a genus of ‘milky lianas.’ My research focuses on constructing the first comprehensive phylogeny for this genus by integrating data from putatively single-copy genes, morphological traits, and biogeographical analyses. This work aims to address longstanding hypotheses about the evolutionary history of Forsteronia, including its origins and diversification within the Amazon region, as well as the role of androecium morphology in its taxonomy and speciation. My advisors in Brazil is Ingrid Koch.

Lover of coffee and music. I am doctoral student in Plant Breeding at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) in collaboration with Embrapa Clima Temperado, Brazil. My research focuses on providing a taxonomic treatment for Solanum sect. Petota ser.  Commersoniana, aiming to clarify whether S. malmeanum is an autonomous species, an infraspecific taxon of S. commersonii, or a hybrid involving S. chacoense. Using herbarium specimens and living plants, I aim to understand the evolutionary processes by studying the roles of reproduction and hybridisation in gene flow among wild potato species and to apply this knowledge in potato breeding programs. My advisors in Brazil are Gustavo Heiden and Caroline M. Castro.

A crazy enthusiast, altruist, dreamer and lover of plants. My research focuses on the flora of Colombia—particularly the Andean-Amazon foothills—and on the systematics and evolution of the Solanaceae. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Córdoba under the supervision of Rocío Deanna, studying the systematics and taxonomy of Browallia (Solanaceae) through an integrative approach combining molecular, cytogenetic, and morphological data. I enjoy outdoor activities, adventure, and embracing new challenges. My studies in Helsinki are supported by EDUFI and the TFK: MOMENT Project.

I am a PhD student in Plant Breeding and Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Tehran. My research explores two wild Rosa species from the Irano-Turanian Floristic Region, focusing on phytochemistry and genetic pathways of flower color and scent. I use HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and RNA-seq to study these traits. I'm currently spending six months in Helsinki to advance my skills in transcriptome analysis. I value collaboration, herbarium preservation, and scientific writing.

Research Assistant (MSc) with interests in plant phylogenomics, phylogeography, and evolutionary biology. Currently studying Solanum nigrum to explore genomic and evolutionary patterns within the group. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, playing the flute, cycling, and visiting art museums.

Master's student at the University of Helsinki studying Integrative Plant Sciences. Interested in plant morphology, phylogenetics and climate. Exhaustingly long list of hobbies currently includes singing, knitting and the newly acquired skill of spinning yarn (among others).

Bachelor’s student in Mechanical Engineering and Production Technology at Häme University of Applied Sciences. Interested in anything and everything. Currently working on an interdisciplinary thesis that combines engineering and biology, exploring the possible opportunities of biomimicry in aerospace engineering, focusing mainly on how plant structures could be used in demanding applications.