Meet Krista Tuominen – one of the two new postdocs in One Health!
Last changed: 13 May 2024
Krista Tuominen is one of two new postdocs in One Health. Her research focuses on understanding the dynamics of Campylobacter, an important pathogen that connects humans, animals and the environment. We were curious to hear more about Krista and her project and asked her some questions.
The SLU Future One Health platform announced a call for partial funding for the postdoc salary. Main applicant was Lena-Mari Tamminen from the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science. Krista Tuominen was given the postdoc position and the title of her project is: An integrated approach for understanding dynamics of Campylobacter – An important pathogen connecting humans, animals and the environment.
Hi Krista! Who are you?
"I’m a postdoc in Veterinary Epidemiology in the Department of Clinical Sciences. My current research focuses mainly on the variation and transmission dynamics of Campylobacter species in dairy cattle farms and their environment. This includes an interdisciplinary approach that combines animal, environmental and human health".
How did you become interested in your field of research?
"In general, I got interested in zoonotic diseases, bacteriology and antimicrobial resistance already when I studied to become a veterinarian. This eventually led me to SLU, where I did my PhD around these topics, and now I am happy to continue on this path but with different bacteria. I find Campylobacter especially interesting because they have such a big impact on human health".
What research results do you expect/hope to achieve within two years?
"In two years, we will hopefully know more about the variation of different Campylobacter species in dairy cattle, as well as wild birds’ role in spreading Campylobacter in dairy cattle to the nearby surface waters. We have also gained a better understanding of the general public’s awareness and perception of cattle, birds and the environment as potential sources of gastrointestinal disease".
Why is an interdisciplinary approach necessary for your study?
"Several Campylobacter species can transmit between different animal species (including humans) and through contaminated food or environment. With an interdisciplinary approach, we can identify the possible links between these different sources, which can help prevent the spread of the bacteria".