Research team

SHADES is part of the INVEST Research Flagship, which aims at increasing the well-being and skill development of children and youth.

Tiina Turunen, Senior Researcher, PI of the SHADES Project

Esa Karonen, Senior Researcher

I’m a Senior Researcher in the ERC project SHADES at the INVEST Research Flagship Centre, University of Turku. My work follows a simple but fascinating question: what becomes of the kids who used to bully others? I study how different types of school-age bullies grow into adulthood—how they find their place in the worlds of work, health, family, and even crime—and how genes and social environments shape their paths along the way.

In research, I’ve always been drawn to the bigger picture of social stratification and generational issues—why some people, and even whole generations, seem to catch the lucky breaks while others don’t. My background is in studying life-course outcomes like income, education, and career paths, and how early-life circumstances may shape the future.

Outside academia, I recharge through art and stories—drawing, painting, and writing (and yes, reading, watching, or playing) fiction. And to balance all those quiet hours thinking and typing, I spend time lifting heavy things and running away from old age—literally.

Reetta Rissanen, Project Coordinator

Contact us:

shades(a)utu.fi