Why do you want to work as station manager at the Tjärnö Laboratory?
"Because Tjärnö is a fantastic workplace with wonderful people! The station means a lot to me. I have been at Tjärnö for more than 20 years, and I am absolutely convinced that the station has a very high value for research, education, and collaboration at our university, and that it can contribute even more in the future."
What have you done previously?
"I studied biology at St Petersburg University before coming to Sweden and started my work on the genetics of marine organisms, which is my main interest. For the last five my research has been on the development of eDNA as a tool for environmental monitoring in the sea. I have also been the director of studies for our department for five years, and for the past two years I have been deputy director of the Centre for Sea and Society at the University of Gothenburg."
When did you first come to Tjärnö?
"I came to Tjärnö in 1999 as an exchange student to work with Kerstin Johannesson on the genetics of rough periwinkle snails. Then I applied for and got a PhD position with Kerstin in 2003. Tjärnö was one of the few places in the world to study the genetics of marine organisms at that time. However, I had no plans to stay..."
Will you have time to do any research now?
"I hope so - that's the plan! It's important both for Tjärnö and for the mission of the Centre for Sea and Society that I have a close connection with research. I will continue to work with eDNA studies in the sea, for example how biodiversity is affected by mussel and seaweed farming."
What do you like to do in your free time?
"I am like our cat - outside in the summer and inside in the winter. In the summer I grow my own vegetables, work in the garden, walk in the forest and go to the sea. In winter I cosy up inside with books, TV, puzzles, and various home projects. Our house will be 100 years old next year and there is always something to repair. And I always have my dog with me, both in the forest and on the sofa."
Interview: Susanne Liljenström
