I work as the person in charge of the VTT Industrial Biotechnology Automation Platform, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing high-throughput microbial strain development and bioprocessing for industrial biotechnology applications. Our platform integrates advanced technologies to automate and accelerate various stages of strain engineering, screening, and fermentation. Our instruments include:

• Screening and molecular biology automation systems (Beckman Coulter and Tecan Fluent 780) capable of high-throughput microbial candidate selection and flexible genetic manipulation workflows, providing robust and efficient support for diverse experimental needs.
• Microbioreactors (Biolector Pro and II, m2p-labs) enabling detailed physiological studies under controlled conditions, and
• A high-throughput bioprocess system (ambr250, Sartorius Stedim) for scaling up fermentation processes and optimizing bioprocess parameters.

These resources enable the platform to support a broad spectrum of projects, from constructing novel microbial strains to optimizing production processes for industrial enzymes, proteins, and other biochemicals.

In 2025, I began my doctoral studies at Aalto University, specializing in Industrial Biotechnology. My research will focus on enhancing protein production in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei, a widely used host in industrial protein production. Specifically, I aim to:

• Identify genetic targets affecting protein production,
• Develop novel genetic engineering strategies to boost productivity, and
• Research material proteins to improve yields and scalability.

The ultimate goal of my work is to contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable production systems, supporting the transition to biotechnology-based production of material proteins. I am passionate about leveraging automation and biotechnology to address industrial challenges and drive innovation in sustainable biomanufacturing.