New dissertation within One Health: We congratulate Krista Tuominen!
Last changed: 05 October 2023
Krista Tuominen successfully defended her thesis at the beginning of September. We took the opportunity to ask her some questions.
What is "the big idea" about your research and how does it relate to One Health?
"My research focused on evaluating possible control measures against LA-MRSA in Swedish pig herds using computational disease spread models. LA-MRSA are a group of bacteria that are resistant to several antibiotics and in some countries, they are commonly found in pig herds. LA-MRSA can be transmitted from pigs to humans and between humans".
What problem does your research help to solve in the short and long term?
"My research aimed to find ways to reduce or eliminate LA-MRSA in pig farms by using measures that would not require excessive measures such as culling entire pig herds. The results were also aimed to provide scientific input when control strategies against LA-MRSA are planned in Sweden".
How can your research contribute to a more sustainable world, what impact at the societal level can the results contribute to?
"Bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, such as LA-MRSA, are one of the biggest health concerns globally. Finding efficient ways to eliminate LA-MRSA in pig farms is one way to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance and the risks it poses to human and animal health".
What is your plan for the near future?
"I’m currently involved in a project that models the spread of chronic wasting disease in reindeer. After that, I plan to continue in academia, focusing on the research of infectious diseases".
We wish Krista the best of luck in her future career!