معرفی
Jenni Suomela is a Grant-funded researcher at the Department of Education, University of Helsinki, specializing in textile archaeology and material culture studies. She is affiliated with the Maker@STEAM Maker culture, Design learning and Technology (MaDe) research group and serves as Principal Investigator and Project Manager for multiple research projects focused on historical textiles and plant fibers.
Education:
- Doctor of Philosophy in Craft Science, Department of Education (May 14, 2024)
- Master of Arts in South-Asian Studies, University of Helsinki (December 18, 2020)
- Master of Education, Textile Teacher, University of Helsinki (June 19, 2015)
Dr. Suomela's research focuses on the intersection of archaeological science, historical textiles, and material culture, with particular expertise in plant fiber identification (especially bast fibers like nettle and hemp), textile analysis techniques, and cultural heritage preservation. Her work combines microscopic methods, chemical analysis, and historical context to understand ancient textile production and use across Nordic and European contexts. She has developed specialized methodologies for identifying plant fibers in archaeological textiles and has made significant contributions to understanding historical textile technologies.
Her publication record reveals a strong focus on textile archaeology spanning from the Stone Age through the 19th century, with particular emphasis on Finnish and Nordic contexts. Recent work has pioneered the identification of nettle textiles in archaeological contexts and developed advanced methods for analyzing historical colorants and textile structures. Her research bridges scientific analysis with cultural interpretation, providing new insights into historical material culture and craft traditions.
Dr. Suomela actively contributes to the academic community through conference organization, including serving as Secretary of the organizing committee for the upcoming Artefacta 2025: The Fourth International Artefacta Conference. She has delivered numerous invited talks on topics related to nettle as a textile fiber and historical textile production. Her research projects demonstrate sustained funding and collaboration across disciplines and international boundaries, particularly in Nordic textile research.
She is involved in several significant research projects including 'Natural dyes and materials as cultural heritage and new innovations' (ongoing since 2002), 'Runkokuitujen kehruutoiminnan esiselvitystyö ja kehruulaitteiston käyttöönotto' (2022-2024), and the Nordic textile and garden history collaboration project focused on plant fibers with emphasis on hemp (2018-2022). Her work has received media attention in Finland, particularly regarding the historical use of nettle as a textile fiber.
