Environmental Physiology Lab
Our research fields are at the intersection of environmental sciences, ecotoxicology and physiological, behavioral and molecular ecology, thus we are integrative biologists. We are broadly interested in the mechanisms underlying organismal adaptation to environmental changes. These include for physiology of stress and energetics, epigenetic and microbiome-mediated mechanisms, and we run one of the only eco-endocrinology labs focused on thyroid hormones. We have passion for understanding transgenerational and developmental plasticity.
Table of contents
Research group type
Research group
Core fields of research
Basic natural phenomena and mathematical thinking
Research areas
Evolutionary research
Sustainable use of the natural resources
Nanobiology
Konnevesi Research Station
Faculty
Faculty of Mathematics and Science
Department
Department of Biological and Environmental Science
Research group description
Our current research projects involve:
(1) HOST-MICROBIOME RESEARCH
- The role of the gut microbiome in host responses to environmental variation: within and across generations, and species in birds: ERC consolidator Suvi Ruuskanen 2024-2029 with post-doc Charli Davies, PhD researchers Maria Correia and Stijn Kouwenberg
- The role of microbiome-mitochondria interactions in phenotypic flexibility to cold exposure: post-doc Mari-Ann Lind (MSCA 2025-2027)
- The role of gut microbiome in thermal adaptations in wild birds: Suvi Ruuskanen (cademy of Finland 2021-2023): post-doc Charli Davies
- Microbiome in ecotoxicology: PhD researcher Sameli Piirto (JYU PhD grant 2021-2025)
- The role of gut microbiome in predator-prey interactions: PI Liisa Hämäläinen and PhD researcher Chris Irving (Finnish Cultural Foundation, 2023-2025, Research council of Finland 2024-2028, EU MSCA 2024-2026),
(2) EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY OF NON-GENETIC INHERITANCE
- Paternally-transmitted epigenetic alterations in response to heavy metal exposure: post-doc Lisandrina Mari (EU-MSCA 2023-2025)
- Maternal effects in extreme climatic conditions (collaboration, University of Groningen)
(3) PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY
- Developmental plasticity in thermoregulation, in collaboration with Dr. Sophie Reichert: visiting Post-doc Julie Fleitz, PhD researcher Clemence Furic (Research Council of Finland to Dr. Reichert, University of Turku/Strasbourg, 2025-2028)
- Maternal hormones, pathogens and immunity: Jaime Muriel (MSCA 2023-2025)
- Agricultural habitat changes, bird condition and physiology: PhD researcher Attila Krall (EDUFI grant 2024-2025)
(4) ECOTOXICOLOGY
- Radiation effects on physiology: Phd researcher Sameli Piirto (JYU PhD grant 2022-2025)
- Agrochemicals and epigenetics (Research Council of Finland,in collaboration Marjo Helander 2018-2022)
Past projects (2020-
- The causes and consequences of variation in gut microbiome: PhD researcher Martta Liukkonen (Emil Aaltonen foundation 2020-24, Societas Pro Fauna et Flora Fennica 2024):
- Causes and consequences of variation in mitochondria function: PhD researcher Nina Cossin-Sevrin (UTU PhD grant 2021-2024)
- (Maternal) hormones: ecology, evolution and environmental disruption (Suvi Ruuskanen Academy of Finland 2015-2021, post-doc Bin-Yan Hsu, PhD researcher Tom Sarraude
Research group
Group leaders
Members
External members
Liisa Hämäläinen
Post-doc
Jyväskylän yliopisto
Nina Cossin-Sevrin
Msc, PhD researcher
University of Turku
Jaime Muriel
Post-doc
University of Turku
Chris Irving
PhD researcher
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Clemence Furic
PhD researcher
University of Turku
Julie Fleitz
Post-doc
University of Turku
Attila Krall
PhD researcher
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Lisandrina Mari
post-doc
Matemaattis-luonnontieteellinen tiedekunta > Bio- ja ympäristötieteiden laitos
Pinja Saloinen
Msc thesis researcher
University of Turku