Kirsi S. Mikkonen

Research

My research is focused on food applications of hemicelluloses, particularly mannans and xylans derived from wood and agricultural residues. I am interested in the formation and properties of biodegradable packaging materials from hemicelluloses, which could be potentially obtained at large quantities from modern biorefineries. The sustainability, biodegradability, and safety of mannans and xylans for food contact make them a highly interesting future alternative for petroleum-derived plastics. Other possible applications for hemicelluloses include, e.g., emulsions for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

My Research Group Food Materials Science

Teaching

Courses taught:

ET410 (Conventional food processing technologies; 5 cr) Academic year 2016-17.

ET215 (Elintarvikesuunnittelu ja -prosessointi; 10 cr). Academic year 2016-17.

ETK210 (Elintarvikkeiden fysikaalinen kemia; 5 cr). Academic years 2015-16 and 2016-17.

ETT210 (Pakkausteknologia 1; 5 cr), a lecture course on packaging technology for bachelor students in food science. Academic year 2012-13.

ETT410 (Pakkausteknologia 2; 6 cr), advanced course on food packaging technology with both lectures and laboratory work. Academic year 2012-13.

YKEM111 (Laboratory course on physical chemistry, 3 cr), assistant teacher. Years 2007, 2010, and 2011.

Currently, I teach food technology, act as food science bachelor study advisor, have responsibility of the food processing technology master level practical work training as well as of the product development in the food sector study module, and supervise doctoral, master, and bachelor theses on related topics.

Current position:

Assistant Professor and Academy Research Fellow, Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki (1.9.2017→)

Degrees awarded:

Docent (Adjunct Professor), Food Materials Science, University of Helsinki (2013)

PhD, Food Technology, University of Helsinki (2009)

MSc, Food Technology, University of Helsinki  (2004)

Other education:

University Pedagogy I (1+2); 10 cr (2011)

University Pedagogy 3; 5 cr, and 4; 5 cr (2013)

Leadership Program for Academic Staff (2015)