Rose-Marie Oksanen

Education:

PhD in Forest Sciences (2022–2027)
University of Freiburg, Germany
(within the ConFoBi project – Conservation of Forest Biodiversity in Multiple-Use Landscapes of Central Europe)
MSc in Forest Ecology and Management
University of Helsinki, Finland (2019–2021)
BSc in Forest Management
University of Helsinki, Finland (2014–2019)

Professional experience:

Doctoral Researcher, University of Freiburg (2022–present)
Supervisor of Customer Service, Metsä Group (Metsä Forest – wood trade and forest services) (2018–2022)
Measurement Assistant, National Forest Inventory of Finland (Luke) (2017–2018)
Research Assistant, University of Helsinki (2017–2018)
Forest Specialist, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) (09–11/2016)

My research focuses on how forests can be managed to deliver multiple values simultaneously. I am especially interested in how sustainable timber production; biodiversity conservation and social values can be balanced in forest management. Understanding and managing these sometimes contrasting, other times synergistic relationships is a key motivation for my work.
In my PhD project, I investigate how habitat tree retention influences regrowth and regeneration in continuous-cover forests in Central Europe. I examine how habitat trees of different sizes and compositions affect the surrounding regrowth height, basal area and tree species composition. This research aims to quantify the potential costs of habitat tree retention for forest owners and to support the development of evidence-based compensation schemes for biodiversity conservation.
In addition, I use national-level forest inventory data to assess the future of habitat trees under climate change. Specifically, I explore the extent to which habitat trees may be at increased risk under changing climatic conditions and disturbance regimes.