Description of research and teaching

Current research:

As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the REBOUND project (Reconceptualizing Boundaries Together Towards Resilient and Just Arctic Futures), I examine the 'justness' of the EU green transition for workers with migrant and refugee backgrounds, with a case study on the Finnish Arctic. This work seeks to uncover whether the needs, perspectives, and rights of these workers are heard in this transition, uncovering the potential inadequacies within current governance structures and the ways to ensure an inclusive and equitable transition for all stakeholders. This research utilizes multiperspectival socio-legal methodology, juxtaposing top-down regulatory frameworks with bottom-up perspectives of the affected individuals. Within this project, I employ empirical socio-legal research methods, including semi-structured interviews with representatives of companies and NGOs, and refugees and migrants in green sectors to understand their lived experiences in the context of the green transition.

Teaching:

I have experience designing and teaching courses on research methods, international refugee law, EU asylum law, and the intersection of migration, borders, human rights, and visual arts. My teaching philosophy emphasizes student-centered, interactive methods that incorporate audiovisual and reflective elements to foster critical thinking and deep learning. I have previously taught at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels at institutions including the University of Helsinki, Tampere University, and the University of London (MA program in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies).

Research interests

My current research focuses on migration governance and EU migration and asylum law, with a particular interest in green and just transitions as they relate to migrant workers. My work employs critical approaches, such as critical border and migration studies, and a range of methods, including legal and policy analysis, ethnography, and visual research. As the Convenor of Helsinki Socio-Legal Initiative (HSLI), I seek to facilitate a safe environment for informed discussions and collaboration between fellow socio-legal scholars.

Education information

• 2025: Doctor of Laws (LLD) with distinction - Faculty of Law, University of Helsinki. Supervisors: Prof Panu Minkkinen, Dr Päivi Neuvonen.

• 2019: Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) in International Relations and Political Science - Faculty of Management and Business, Tampere University.

• 2017: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Minor degree in International Relations - Koç University Law School, Istanbul.