Meet the Researchers: Clean Water, Biodiversity and Environment

Abrar Mian
"Leveraging natural synergies for sustainable environmental solutions"

Name of your research project: Microbes and the Floating-Hook Moss in Phytoremediation of Mining Water (MoPoW)
Research unit involved: Ecology and Genetics Research Unit
Partner involved: Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)

I come from Pakistan. My project explores innovative solutions to environmental pollution. My research is on the symbiotic relationship between the aquatic moss Warnstorfia fluitans and its microbial symbiont. Our goal is to revolutionize phytoremediation, particularly in the challenging subarctic environments. By enhancing the moss's natural capabilities to detoxify and absorb heavy metals and pollutants, we aim to offer a sustainable, cost-effective solution for environmental cleanup. This work has the potential to significantly benefit ecosystems and public health, providing a powerful tool against global challenges like water contamination and climate change.

Our innovative approach not only advances scientific knowledge but also proposes practical solutions for some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Post-Ph.D., I aspire to continue this impactful research, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. Additionally, I am dedicated to mentoring the next generation of innovators, guided by a commitment to sustainability and scientific excellence. By unlocking the potential of Warnstorfia fluitans, we aim to pave the way for cleaner water and a healthier planet, ensuring a legacy of environmental stewardship and innovation.

Md Faysal Hossain
"Foster a sustainable aquatic environment through innovative and practical solutions that integrate scientific knowledge with environmental stewardship."

Name of your research project: Development of novel geopolymer-composite adsorbents for water treatment
Research unit involved: Fibre and Particle Engineering research unit
Partner involved: BioSO4

I am an Environmentalist from Bangladesh, holding Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Soil Science from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Furthering my passion for environmental protection, I obtained a second Master's degree in Environmental Science and Engineering from the East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China, with a focus on adsorption technology in wastewater treatment. I have expertise in material synthesis, the treatment of complex wastewater with adsorption, soil heavy metal immobilization, and microplastics/nanoplastics remediation.

My current research focuses on optimizing the synthesis of geopolymer-based adsorbents to remove heavy metals and other noxious pollutants from industrial wastewater. The main expected outcome of my research project is to develop effective and sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment, contributing to cleaner water resources and healthier aquatic ecosystems. This research is significant for sustainable development as it addresses critical environmental challenges by mitigating pollution from industrial activities, thereby safeguarding public health and ecological balance.

Upon completing my PhD, I aspire to pursue a postdoctoral position to further advance my research capabilities. Ultimately, my career ambitions are centered around academia, where I aim to continue making meaningful contributions to environmental science and engineering.

Maria Khan
“Seek knowledge, embrace curiosity, innovate for a better future”.

Name of your research project: Characterizing species diversity through genomics: Envisioning global bio-literacy using megadiverse insects as a model
Research unit(s) involved: Ecology and Genetics Research Unit (University of Oulu) and Systematic Biology Group (Lund University)
Partners involved: Lund University

I come from Karachi, Pakistan. Before coming to Oulu, I did my B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biotechnology from University of Karachi. I completed my Masters here in Genetics from University of Oulu after which I started my PhD here in the same. My research project is focused on Bio-literacy which encompasses the idea of revolutionizing biodiversity research with the help of genomics, including species identification and delimitation. So, the main expected outcome is a proof of technology and concept for the utility of genomic methods in biodiversity monitoring in all areas of biodiversity research so that these methods can be standardized on a government level to effect changes in the policy for biodiversity management and conservation.

Biodiversity loss is a major existential risk for humankind, with over 90% of species still unknown to science. This hinders efficient communication and conservation efforts. State-of-the-art molecular genetic tools, like DNA barcoding, have the potential to revolutionize biodiversity research. My research addresses the global challenge of biodiversity loss by utilizing cutting-edge genetic tools to improve species identification and conservation. This work has significant implications for sustainable development and can help shape policies to protect our environment.

After obtaining my Ph.D. degree, I have decided I’d stay in academia for now, continuing my passion for leveraging DNA information for the benefit of nature. I may also explore industry experience, and if it suits me, I might transition there, but I will never stop learning. I am a "Talib-e-Ilm," which means "seeker of knowledge" in Urdu, my mother tongue.

Shahin Nourinezhad
“Learn from birth to death.”

Name of your research project: Lake Environmental Flow Assessment Based on the Optimization of Inter-basin Water Transfer
Research unit involved: Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering (WE3)
Partner involved: Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE)

I come from Iran. I received my master’s degree from Tarbiat Modares University in Iran. During my master’s program, I published two journal papers and one conference paper on water quality and hydrological modeling of a mountainous watershed. In this regard, I worked with various tools, including ArcGIS, SWAT, and MATLAB.

My research is about lake water quality modeling in cold climate regions. The main target is to find how to restore eutrophic lakes with inter-basin water transport with respect to water-energy nexus. We expect that we can develop a model to reach this end.

Since many lakes are in danger of water quality depletion due to eutrophication globally, it is important to find the drivers and try to check what strategy should be considered to improve their water quality in practice. Our research aims to tackle this issue.

After obtaining PhD degree, I would like to continue in related topics as a post-doctoral researcher.

Shreya Pandey
“Perseverance paves the path to discovery."

Name of your research project: Genomics meets remote sensing: developing integrated, efficient biodiversity monitoring methods for forest and peatland environments in Finland
Research unit involved: Ecology and Genetics Research Unit
Partner involved: Natural Resource Institute (LUKE) Finland

I originally come from Jharkhand, India. I have completed my Masters in Wildlife science and as a part of my thesis, I worked in a mangrove habitat to determine the spatial distribution patterns of Fishing cats and Smooth-coated Otters in the eastern coastal part of India and understand the impact and any overlap of Human disturbance with the species distribution and study the community based conservation aspect. I used remote sensing, camera trapping and field-based sign surveys for the data collection. I have also been also working on projects as a Project researcher and a Biologist in long -term survey of migratory shore birds for assessing the environmental impact of the MTHL bridge (longest sea bridge link in India) and on ex-situ conservation in SV Zoological Park. I am also a Co-PI of a Project based in Odisha, India working for the enforcement and prevention of Illegal trade of Alexandrine Parakeets. I have been associated with some local NGO’s working towards wildlife rescue and conservation in India.

A few studies have attempted to combine eDNA-based with remote sensing-based biodiversity monitoring. The combination of both can provide us with much more resolution and information to better understand current and future biodiversity changes. The main outcome of this study will be to understand the changes in species communities over a spatial and temporal dimension and assess the impact of different environmental factors and anthropogenic factors on the biodiversity of arthropods and fungi. Being bioindicator species it will help us understand the overall changes at the ecosystem level and understand the causes responsible for influencing the changes.

This study is entirely focused on understanding the impact of various anthropogenic factors upon the biodiversity over the last few decades in the forests and Peatland habitats in Finland and assessing the changes in the species communities. The data generated from this study can be used for evidence-based policy decisions, conservation management, education, and outreach. Understanding biodiversity loss is crucial in preserving forest and peatland habitats and threatened species, and to support sustainable forest and peatland management. My project also supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as “Life on Land,” “Climate Action” and “Responsible Consumption and Production.”

I am keen to do post-doc after completing my PhD and continue my research which could be useful for real world aspects and implications on the ground and constantly improving upon my existing knowledge and skills.