Leeli Amon

Dr. Leeli Amon is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology at Tallinn University of Technology's School of Science, where she has served since October 2024. Previously, she held positions as Senior Research Fellow (2019-2024) and Research Fellow (2017-2019) at the same institution. She also completed postdoctoral research at Utrecht University and Bishop's University in Canada. Dr. Amon serves as Programme Director for Earth Sciences initiatives at Tallinn University of Technology and is actively involved in numerous research projects related to Quaternary paleo-ecology.

Dr. Amon earned her Doctoral Degree in 2011 from Tallinn University of Technology with a dissertation on 'Palaeoecological reconstruction of Late-glacial vegetation dynamics in eastern Baltic area: a view based on plant macrofossil analysis,' supervised by Siim Veski and Anneli Poska. She previously completed her Master's Degree in 2006 at the University of Tartu with research on charcoal distribution in peat bogs. Her educational background includes PhD studies at both Tallinn University of Technology and the University of Tartu, as well as undergraduate studies at Tallinn University.

Dr. Amon's research focuses on Quaternary paleo-ecology, specializing in paleobotany, phylogeny, and palynology. Her work examines vegetation dynamics during the Late Glacial and Holocene periods, particularly in the Baltic region and Siberia. She employs multiple proxy approaches including plant macrofossils, pollen analysis, and geochemical indicators to reconstruct past climate conditions and environmental changes. Her research has significant implications for understanding current climate change through the lens of historical patterns.

Analysis of Dr. Amon's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on paleoenvironmental reconstruction across multiple geographic regions, with particular emphasis on the Baltic area, Siberia, and North America. Her work increasingly integrates multidisciplinary approaches, combining traditional paleobotanical methods with geochemical analyses and climate modeling. Recent publications show growing attention to the implications of past climate changes for current environmental challenges, particularly regarding climate change impacts and biodiversity responses.

• Diploma at the Estonian National Contest for University Students (2012) for her PhD thesis
• Tallinn University of Technology Young researcher research grant (2022-2023)

Dr. Amon actively supervises doctoral and master's students, with four current or recently completed supervisees. She leads or participates in multiple significant research projects including 'Estonian Roots: Centre of Excellence for transdisciplinary studies on ethnogenesis and cultural diversity' (2024-2030) and 'Postglacial Ecosystem Response to Episodes of Rapid Climate Change' (2024-2028). Her work has been supported by numerous international funding bodies including the Estonian Research Council, Ministry of Education and Research, and international networks like INTERACT.

Dr. Amon is a key member of the organizing committee for 'Schola geologica,' an annual geological meeting, and has served as editor for its proceedings since 2006. She actively participates in public outreach, having conducted numerous media interviews about Earth sciences, climate change, and mammoth research for major Estonian media outlets including Postimees, Delfi Forte, ETV, and Kuku radio. She also serves on the jury and organizing committee for the National Earth Science Olympiad.