Anne-Mari Riikonen: From school bench to working on sustainable development of agricultural by-products

I started my career in University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute in June on a project called BIOTUTO. The aim of the project is to improve the handling, acquisition and use of agricultural biomasses and business opportunities related to them. Meanwhile we are promoting usage of locally produced biogas as a fuel in traffic and industry.
Anne-Mari Riikonen

My job is to estimate the volume of agricultural by-products in the study area and to make a cost-effective logistical model for biomass transportation. During the first month I have learned much about network analysis and biogas production in general. I must admit that this city girl had a lot to learn about agriculture too.

I finished my Master of science degree in 2023 and majored in natural geography. It was an easy choice for me because I have been enthusiastic about environmental issues and climate change since I was young. The changing climate is causing challenges to both environment and society and studying these issues and finding solutions gives motivation to my work in projects. BIOTUTO is my first project and I look forward to seeing where it leads. My goal is to keep improving my GIS (Geographical Information System) skills and gain experience in research.

I am very happy to begin my project researcher career in Kerttu Saalasti Institute. The atmosphere in the office is positive and supporting. Actually, I was familiar with the office before working here because of the geography research unit being just upstairs the Regional excellence research group offices at the university. I was kindly welcomed and got to meet many people with experienced research background but also people with not much experience just like myself. For many people the institute is working as an organization developing talent which could lead to new opportunities and jobs elsewhere. I am hoping that one day I could work in a project which would give me inspiration of a doctoral research subject.

Author:
Anne-Mari Riikonen, M.Phil, project researcher, University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute, Regional Excellence research group (REx)