I started my Doctoral research at the Arctic Centre three years ago when I was selected to the ARKTIS Doctoral Programme and received four-year funding 2010 onwards. My doctoral research discusses knowledge issues in environmental and strategic planning. The empirical focus in my research is particularly on regional level climate change strategies, and I have conducted a case study on the collaborative planning process of Lapland’s regional climate change strategy (2010-2012). To provide new understanding about the topic also in terms of theoretical discussion I take a look at strategic planning processes as Latourian translation processes and put actor-network theory and collaborative planning theories into a conversation. My doctoral research is highly multidisciplinary as it builds on my background in human geography (or Regional Studies to be precise) added with perspectives of environmental sociology, sociology of knowledge, planning sciences and management/leadership studies.

My research interests and fields of expertise, in addition to those addressed in my doctoral research as described above, include also regional development issues particularly in Northern peripheral and sparsely populated areas, multiple-use of nature, ecosystem services, sustainable tourism, social sustainability and impacts assessment, collaborative planning methods and GIS. Arctic and other northernmost areas are in the core of my expertise. In my lectures within eg. the Arctic Studies Programme I often utilize photographs I have taken on my journeys in different parts of the Arctic and elsewhere.

In the free time music, good books, photography, handicrafts, skiing, hunting and berry picking, water sports, jogging and travelling help me to free the flow of thoughts and to maintain good physical condition.