Molecular Biologist with doctoral training on molecular characterization and gene expression of signaling genes. Following PhD, joined as a project researcher at the University of Jyväskylä studying the effects of plant host and season on community compositions of plant microbiomes. In 2019, joined the HelanderSaikkonen lab, investigating the effects of glyphosate-based herbicides on microbiomes of plants and pollinators.

Factors shaping microbiomes

All living organisms harbour microbial communities (microbiomes) that contribute various host survival functions including nutrition, stress responses and disease resistance. I study the effects of anthropogenic activities, specifically the effect of agricultural pesticides on microbiomes of plants and pollinators, consequently the effects on host health and ecosystem.