I am Dr. Kirk Loren Overmyer, a Visiting Scientist and Research Group Leader at the Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, focusing on Organismal and Evolutionary Biology. I lead a dynamic research group, drive strategies for plant physiology and molecular biology projects, and mentor students and postdocs while collaborating across disciplines to advance our understanding of plant biology and microbiology. As a Freelance Scientific Communicator, Evaluator and Teacher since 2020, I translate complex research findings for diverse audiences, provide evaluation and training services, and contribute to editorial boards and peer review. My work reflects a commitment to rigorous science, effective science communication, and leadership in higher education and research communities.

Kirk Loren Overmyer

I am Dr. Kirk Loren Overmyer, a Visiting Scientist and Research Group Leader at the Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, focusing on Organismal and Evolutionary Biology. I lead a dynamic research group, drive strategies for plant physiology and molecular biology projects, and mentor students and postdocs while collaborating across disciplines to advance our understanding of plant biology and microbiology. As a Freelance Scientific Communicator, Evaluator and Teacher since 2020, I translate complex research findings for diverse audiences, provide evaluation and training services, and contribute to editorial boards and peer review. My work reflects a commitment to rigorous science, effective science communication, and leadership in higher education and research communities.

Available to hire

I am Dr. Kirk Loren Overmyer, a Visiting Scientist and Research Group Leader at the Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, focusing on Organismal and Evolutionary Biology. I lead a dynamic research group, drive strategies for plant physiology and molecular biology projects, and mentor students and postdocs while collaborating across disciplines to advance our understanding of plant biology and microbiology.

As a Freelance Scientific Communicator, Evaluator and Teacher since 2020, I translate complex research findings for diverse audiences, provide evaluation and training services, and contribute to editorial boards and peer review. My work reflects a commitment to rigorous science, effective science communication, and leadership in higher education and research communities.

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Language

English
Fluent
German
Advanced
Finnish
Intermediate

Work Experience

Freelance Scientific Communicator, Evaluator and Teacher at Independent
January 1, 2020 - Present
Communicating scientific research to diverse audiences; providing evaluation, teaching and outreach services on plant biology and related topics.
Visiting Scientist and Research Group Leader at Viikki Plant Science Centre, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki
January 1, 2020 - Present
Leading a research group within the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology program; establishing research priorities, mentoring team members, and coordinating collaborative projects in plant physiology and molecular biology.
Academy of Finland Research Fellow at Academy of Finland
September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2016
Independent research fellowship supporting high-impact projects; involved in project management and collaboration.
Acting University Lecturer, Plant Biology at University of Helsinki
October 1, 2010 - May 31, 2011
Lecturer in Plant Biology, contributing to teaching and course organization with responsibilities in supervision and assessment.
Principal Investigator and Research Group Leader at Viikki Plant Science Centre, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki
September 1, 2010 - December 31, 2019
Led a research group, secured substantial funding, supervised postdocs and students, and contributed to curriculum development and course leadership.
Postdoc at Kangasjärvi Lab, Plant Biology, University of Helsinki
May 1, 2006 - January 31, 2010
Postdoctoral research focusing on plant biology and physiology; contributed to project development and mentoring.
Postdoc at Dangl Lab, Biology Dept., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, USA
February 1, 2003 - April 30, 2006
Postdoctoral research position in plant biology; conducted independent projects and collaborations.

Education

PhD at University of Helsinki
January 11, 2030 - December 12, 2002
MSc at University of Eastern Finland (Kuopio)
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2002
BSc at University of Michigan
January 11, 2030 - December 18, 1988
Docent at University of Helsinki
January 12, 2011 - December 9, 2025

Qualifications

Docent in Plant Physiology and Plant Molecular Biology
January 12, 2011 - December 9, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Life Sciences, Professional Services