Doctoral Researcher
Siri.Hiljanen@abo.fi
My research focuses on conservation genetics and epigenetics of endangered Baltic Sea Common Eider (Somateria mollissima). I’ll be using whole-genome sequencing and temporal DNA sampling to explore how differences in predation risk affects population structure, gene flow and source-sink dynamics. Furthermore, analysing genome-wide DNA methylation patterns gives an insight into how predator exposure influences epigenetic stress responses. These will have direct implications for the conservation and management of Baltic eiders.
Keywords
Current Projects
Grants & Fundings
About me
I studied Genetics and Molecular Biology in University of Oulu (M.Sc.) and did my Master’s thesis with the Biodiversity Genomics research group.
Currently, I’m conducting my PhD at Åbo Akademi University as part of the Eider Team, led by Doc. Markus Öst, in close collaboration with the Biodiversity Genomics research group.
Publications
2024
Peer-reviewed Publication: Olli, S., Lam, N. T., Hiljanen, S., Kettunen, T., Haikonen, L., Hyvönen, H. M., Kiebler, A., Köngäs, I., Minkkinen, S., Pöykiö, V., Sannikka, V., Vesa, R., Wehrenberg, G., Prost, S., & Prous, M. (2024). Large mitochondrial genomes in tenthredinid sawflies (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae). Mitochondrial DNA Part A, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/24701394.2024.2427206
Theses
Master’s Thesis: Hiljanen, S. (2025). Population genetics of endangered African and Asiatic cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-202510086237
Outreach
Talks, Posters & Workshops
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Online, Broadcast and Print Media
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Podcasts
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