Description of research and teaching

I have been professor of silviculture / applied ecology at the department since 2005. My research field is production ecology, and my special interests are in understanding how trees capture resources and how they allocate them to form a spectrum of structures that appear so well adapted to the prevailing environment.

At the department I lead the Forest Modelling Research Group which develops theories and models of tree function, structure, and growth, and applies these to questions relevant to forest management under changing environmental conditions and alternative management objectives. The group is also part of the Centre of Excellence in Atmospheric Science.

My basic degree is in systems theory from Helsinki University of Technology (now Aalto University) and my PhD is in forestry. Before my current post, I worked in different research and teaching positions at the department, apart from some years abroad.