She is also co-leader of the multidisciplinary research project Handling Mind: Embodiment, Creativity and Design funded by the Academy of Finland (2013-2016). She has published her papers in different international arenas, and is a co-editor of the anthologies The Art of Research: Research Practices in Art and Design published in 2006 and The Art of Research II: Process, Results and Contribution published in 2011. Mäkelä also works as an artist in the junction of ceramics and fine art. She has had several solo exhibitions in Finland and has taken part in frequent group exhibitions in Finland and abroad.