Erik Karlsson
I am a microfluidics engineer working in a project with the goal to develop early detection of plant diseases using the microfluidic chips and deep learning image analysis. I have an MSc degree in Engineering Nanoscience from LTH, and second MSc degree in Management from LUSEM, and I find it super fascinating to work with interdisciplinary research and try to connect different fields to create solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in our society.
I previously did my engineering master thesis together with the group where I conducted field work in rural Kenya. There I used soil chips to study how biochar soil amendments affected the abundance of different microbial communities. During the thesis work I worked closely with the local farmers, and I saw firsthand how they were struggling with plant diseases and how they were applying pesticides to the crops once they saw they had symptoms. This inspired me to pursue research to explore if we can use the microfluidic chips as a system for early detection of plant diseases, even before symptoms are shown on the crop, and allow for more precise and timely management of plant diseases.
In my free time, I try to spend as much time as possible either traveling or hiking, preferably with friends 😊 when not doing that, you will usually find me reading, cooking, or trying to learn some new skill, like a music instrument, a new language, or video editing.
Fun facts about me:
What is your favourite microbe?
A: Vampyrella lateritia, just look up some videos of it feeding on algae and you'll understand.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I had many different ideas, but the one that stuck the longest was being an astronaut. Now instead of exploring space I’m spending my time exploring the soil, maybe they are not too far apart.
Beach or forest?
A: Both are great! But not much can beat hiking through a cloud forest.
If you could trade lives with anyone for a day who would you pick, and what would you do?
A: Maybe an astronaut stationed at the ISS? Spending the day in microgravity and looking out from the window looking down on our planet.
List 3 things that you’re good at (doesn’t have to be work related):
A: Walking long distances with a backpack! Enjoying music from all types of genres. Diving deep into a new topic for a few hours/days/weeks until I’ve read everything there is to read about it.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities for collaborations.