Description of research and teaching

WHO? I am a Human Geographer and Professor of Sustainability Science based at the Ecosystems and Environment Program, University of Helsinki. I am co-affiliated with the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS) and the Department of Economics and Management, University of Helsinki. I lead the Human-Nature Transformations Research Group . I am currently the Executive Director of the International Association of Society and Natural Resources and Director of the Enabling Multispecies Transitions of Cities and Regions (MUST) Strategic Research Council Project. I graduated with my PhD in 2012 at the University of South Australia. Before starting my PhD I was an environmental policy officer in the South Australian Government and manager of the award winning Laratinga Wetlands in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia.

MY RESEARCH: My research focuses on conceptualising and assessing the diverse values of nature, and finding new ways of embedding them into sustainabilty transformations. My research commonly examines new ways to represent and engage diverse communities (including other species) in nature-based solutions planning in urban areas. I have written a number of seminal works on senses of place, socio-cultural valuation of ecosystem services, and most recently was the Coordinating Lead Author of the IPBES Values Assessment where my team co-created an inclusive typology of values for navigating transformations towards a just and sustainable future. My work contributes to urban and regional planning, biodiversity conservation and restoration planning, sustainability science and human geography.

OUR HUMAN-NATURE TRANSFORMATIONS RESEARCH GROUP:  I lead the transdisciplinary Human-Nature Transformations Research Group.  The group hosts over 15 researchers committed to “Transforming human-nature relationships for a just, healthy and sustainable future.” We carry out research in Collaborative projects including MUST, Transformative Cities, RECONNECT, GO GREEN NEXT, GREEN TALENT and SusTra Doctoral Pilot.   Our team actively engages in the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS).

LEADERSHIP AND TEACHING: I am committed to leading a vibrant and active team committed to supporting one another through care and reciprocity. I completed leadership training through the South Australian Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (2009-2010) and have also directed an environmental consulting company named Enviroconnect. I'm responsible teacher, together with colleagues, for the Environmental Change and Global Sustainability courses of Nature-based Solutions, Science Communication and Thesis Writing and the Agricultural and Environmental Resource Economics course of Socio-cultural Valuation for Integrated Landscape Management.  

Curriculum vitae