Research:

I am mainly interested in animal behavior: why animals behave the way they do? I examine how evolutionary and environmental factors influence behavioural decisions of individuals, and what are the consequences of individuals’ behavioural decisions on ecological phenomena on population and community levels.

For some reason, my research is often focused on behavioural mechanisms of predator-prey interactions. Much of my research integrates behavioural approaches with genetics and physiology in order to reveal underlying mechanisms of behaviour.

I am also interested in applying behavioural approaches to conservation biology and animal welfare, e.g. by developing behaviour-based solutions to practical conservation and welfare. As model species I mainly use aquatic animals, currently main target taxa include salmonid fishes and crayfish, but also production animals.

Besides research on animals, I am involved in international research projects aimed at developing teaching and learning of ecology in higher education.

I am leading the research group Ecology and Evolution Team (BEET) currently consisting of one post-doc researcher, three PhD-students and four MSc-students. BEET belongs to Integrative Ecology Unit I am leading together with Prof. Veijo kaitala and Prof. Jouni Laakso.

Teaching: I am leading the following courses:

• Principles of Behavioural Ecology 2 ECT (Käyttäytymisekologian perusteet 2 op)
• Ecology Field Course 8 ECT (Ekologian kenttäkurssin tutkimusjakso 8 op)
• Introduction to Zoology - Structure, Function and Evolution 2*3 ECT (Johdatus eläintieteeseen – rakenne, toiminta ja evoluutio 2*3 op)
• Animals: Life History and Identification 2*3 ECT (Eläintuntemus 2*3 op)
• Advanced Field Course in Behavioural Ecology 8 ECT (Käyttäytymisekologian syventävä kenttäkurssi 8 op)
• Behavioural Ecology of Mammals 3 ECT (Nisäkkäiden käyttäytymisekologia 3 op)