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Hi, I’m Valentina. I’ve just joined the Functional Ecology division for a PhD with Milda Pucetaite, Dimitrios Floudas and Edith Hammer. I’m a biochemist and in my project, I will apply different spectroscopy methods and transcriptomics to analyse fungal interactions in soils and how these influence biogeochemical carbon and nutrient cycles, and how all this might be affected by a changing climate.

Originally, I started with a bachelor’s in biomedicine and then shifted to general biochemistry for my master’s in Cologne, Germany, which I completed with a thesis on microbial interactions in the context of crop infections (PI Bart Thomma). Always interested in microbiology, I am now continuing my PhD in this area but with a switch to ecology and looking forward to exploring this completely new field. Outside of research, I enjoy spending time outdoors and with friends, going swimming and dancing, and currently exploring my new surroundings here in Sweden with city walks, bike rides and visits to jazz bars. Tips on the (underground) live music scene, excursion tips and similar are very welcome!

mars 31, 2025

Inger Ekström

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Hej everyone. I’m Finja Strehmann, and I’m yet another new face at the department! I recently started my postdoc with Staffan Bensch, where I’ll be studying the genetic basis of differences in stress physiology between northern and southern Willow Warblers.

I was born in Germany, raised in Austria, and have gone back and forth between the two several times—so now, I’m excited and curious about my time in Sweden! My background is in ornithology, parasitology, and physiology. For my bachelor’s thesis, I studied mixed-species foraging flocks in Costa Rica, then worked as a student assistant in Israel’s Negev Desert, supporting research on evaporative water loss and stopover behavior in migratory passerines. Most recently, I completed my PhD in Germany, focusing on endoparasites and physiological indicators in a forest bird community.

Like most ornithologists, I love spending time outdoors—watching birds, hiking, biking, and exploring nature. I also volunteered at a bird sanctuary, helping to raise birds ranging from tiny chiffchaffs to Eurasian eagle owls. Beyond birds, I have too many hobbies to count—I’ve done horseback riding, sailing, windsurfing, orienteering, volleyball, badminton, knitting, crocheting, painting, drawing, and woodworking. I also love cooking and baking and enjoy experimenting with new recipes and flavors. I’m always up for trying something new!

So if you ever need company while picking up a new hobby, want to chat about birds and conservation, or feel like discussing science, politics, or anything else, feel free to drop by my office. I look forward to getting to know many of you!

mars 28, 2025

Inger Ekström

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Hello there! I’m Alice, a new PhD student working with Emma Kritzberg, Dimitrios Floudas, and Håkan Wallander. In my project, I’m exploring how forest management affects fungal communities, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and iron mobilisation, and how this ultimately affects brownification. Brownification refers to the process where surface waters in the northern hemisphere are turning browner due to the release of DOC and iron from terrestrial sources to aquatic ecosystems. To understand this process, I’m combining ecological studies, mesocosm experiments, and fungal phenotyping. By doing so, I aim to uncover how different fungal functional groups drive decomposition and contribute to this process across various scales.

I’m from a village just outside of Lund and completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Biology at Lund University. Last year, I worked as a project assistant here at LU, focusing on ectomycorrhizal fungi and applying microbiology techniques to study them. Through my studies and research, I’ve developed a deep fascination for microorganisms and their hidden world in the soil. I’m thrilled to spend the next four years exploring their role in ecosystems.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me outdoors—hiking, discovering new places in my camper van, or simply enjoying nature. Right now, I’m also really into reading so I’d love to hear any book recommendations!

mars 18, 2025

Inger Ekström

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Hi there. I am Pim Edelaar, a visiting professor until June 30. I have recently finished a conceptual / theoretical book on adaptive evolution (for Oxford University Press). And wish to spend my time here at Lund discussing its contents, and turning it into a graduate-level course to be taught internationally. So happy to interact with all of you – send me an email (pim.edelaar@biol.lu.se) or just talk to me when you see me (2.07 m, thereby quite recognisable).

Born and raised in The Netherlands, I spent my post-doctoral years between Argentina, the USA, and Sweden (Department of Animal Ecology, Uppsala), to then settle in Spain. I have been trained as a behavioural ecologist, but have since moved towards evolutionary biology. My interest is mainly in the processes that drive adaptation in general, and adaptive population divergence in particular. I have worked a lot with birds, but also with grasshoppers and optogenetic Drosophila, and now plan experimental evolution trials with microorganisms. I also use individual-based simulations as a research tool – as long as I can provide the ideas and someone else provides the coding.

In my free time I like to go out in search of rare birds and other wildlife, in the meantime enjoying the commoner species too. And for 2 years I have taken up bachata and kizomba dancing to bring out the Latin sides in me. And it has worked …

mars 12, 2025

Inger Ekström

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Hi, my name is Alma Koenig. I recently joined the Department of Biology as a financial administrator. I have previously worked for the Department of Economics as a department administrator and purchase coordinator.

Before joining Lund University I have spent 8 years at the World Maritime University in Malmö as Admissions Officer so I have experience working with administration concerning higher education.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and exercising.

You will find me in the Ecology building.

februari 24, 2025

Inger Ekström

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