Niina Kiljunen

I am a Doctoral Researcher at the Ecology and Genetics Research Unit of the University of Oulu. My research focuses on dark taxa, the unknown part of our planet's biodiversity.

In my PhD project I study and develop DNA-based species delimitation and identification methods for biodiversity research, using gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) as a model group. My PhD is a part of the multidisciplinary Fellow Feelings project (2022-2026) that explores the relation between knowledge and feelings about biodiversity through a citizen science project with young people. The project is funded by, and is one of the spearhead projects the Eudaimonia Institute and is led by Senior Research Fellow Pauliina Rautio.

Other projects I collaborate with:

• Project manager in the project A Genomic Blueprint for the Description of Thousands of New Species, 2024-2028, funded by the Research Council of Finland, PI: Professor Marko Mutanen.
• Towards the bio-literate Finland: DNA-based solution to delineate, identify and monitor dark diversity (BIOLITERACY), 2022-2024, funded by the Ministry of Environment, PI: Prof. Marko Mutanen, CO-PI: Prof. Jaakko Pohjoismäki.
• A book project The Sawflies of Fennoscandia 2021-2022, funded by the Ministry of Environment, PI: Prof. Marko Mutanen.

I am teaching on the following courses:

• Identification of animals, invertebrates
• Terrestrial animals field course

I have been a member of Finnish Expert Group on Diptera since 2021.