Senior coordinator, group manager
PhD (evolutionary ecology)
Title of docent (ecology and evolutionary biology, University of Helsinki)
Contact information
Email: firstname.surname@syke.fi
Phone: +358 295 251 091
Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)
Nature solutions
Use of ecosystem information
Address: Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
X: @PMSirkia
Current tasks
I currently serve as a Group Leader and Senior Coordinator in the Nature Solutions unit at the Finnish Environment Institute. In my role, I lead the Use of Ecosystem Information group, where we research and generate data on biodiversity, ecosystem activities, and ecosystem services. We also develop and test innovative methods and models in these areas. I am particularly interested in enhancing and harmonizing biodiversity monitoring schemes, as well as improving how we utilize biodiversity monitoring information.
Expertise
- Biodiversity, ecosystems
- Monitoring, mapping, indicators
- Evolutionary ecology
- Birds
Background
I joined the Finnish Environment Institute in October 2020. Prior to that, I served as a researcher and research coordinator on the monitoring team at the Finnish Museum of Natural History (Luomus) from 2014 to 2020. My academic background is in ecology; I earned my PhD in 2011 from the University of Turku with my dissertation titled “Maintenance of Phenotypic Variation in Plumage Colouration in a Passerine Bird.”
Following my PhD, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Turku, Uppsala University, and the Finnish Museum of Natural History. My research has focused on how environmental factors—such as weather, food availability, and habitat—affect individual success. Additionally, I have studied topics including speciation, trophic interactions, and population ecology.
I have a broad interest in biodiversity monitoring and aim to enhance monitoring schemes and their synergies.
Publications