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How did you end up studying chemical engineering?

“I was interested in technology already as a child. I have always been quite resourceful: in my opinion, the most interesting thing has always been why and how things work.

In upper secondary school, I became worried about climate change and awakened by the impact that humans have on their environment. I realised the best place to impact environmental issues is at their source, in industrial production, for example. 

I was very interested, for example, in renewable energy, solar cells, green hydrogen and battery technology. When exploring different study options, I found that chemical engineering provided the best tools for developing new solutions to environmental production challenges.”

What was studying like?

"Studying was the best time of my life. The best things were the people and the community. Aalto University has an open atmosphere in which everyone is involved, and I was able to try my wings in various matters through the subject organisation and other associations.

In my studies, I particularly appreciated their broad scope and application possibilities. It was possible to select courses in a versatile manner and, already during my studies, I was able to apply what I have learned in work placements and cooperation projects with various companies. Exchange studies in China were also a great experience.”

What kind of work have you done in your career?

“During my studies, I completed several factory trainings in the manufacture of materials and industrial products, as well as in the development of industrial services. After my exchange studies, I also got a work placement at Metso-Outotec in China with the help of an Aalto University scholarship. I completed my master’s thesis in Pori on mineral enrichment technology, after which I got to develop a sales tool in sales support of the same company. After graduation, I became a process quality engineer in semiconductor technology and led several procurement projects in a factory expansion project. Next, I moved to Fortum as the operating manager for a biorefining project

Now I work at Chempolis, which develops biorefining technologies. I have managed to get to the forefront of scaling biorefining technologies to an industrial scale.

I support the launch of a biorefinery under construction in India and further develop technology for the processing of various raw materials and production of products, in cooperation with colleagues from the demo plant in Oulu.”

Why is your work important?

“The effects of my work will eventually be visible in many areas of life and many industries. I have an important position in the development of solutions for better and more environmentally friendly industrial production.

For example, in my current work, we aim to reduce industrial emissions by creating bio-based products from bio-based raw materials that replace the use of fossil raw materials. The plant under construction in India will produce bioethanol and various biochemicals from bamboo. Bioethanol reduces environmental impacts of local transport.”

What kind of skills did you gain by studying chemical engineering?

“On the one hand, chemical engineering provided me with skills in study and acquiring knowledge, and on the other hand, very broad-scale competence. My studies gave me the tools to influence the problem areas of traditional industries, which play an enormous role in the functioning of society. 

The versatility of the education has allowed me to change assignments according to my interest in different sectors, from mineral enrichment to semiconductor production, energy, and biorefining. The studies have also provided me with an extensive and skilled network that helps me solve problems that few people can solve alone. 

In all my work, I have been able to effectively apply what I have learned at Aalto, both in materials manufacture and in project management. In my career, I have had three-phase systems, washing and filtration systems, industrial water purification, combustion chemistry, corrosion, but also logistics, organisational management, and lean systems on my desk. Experimental activities and understanding of them have not ended with laboratory work in chemical engineering, but are still an important part of my current work.”

What would you like to say to young people considering their choices of study?

“Study choice is a big personal decision, so you should consider it carefully. If you want to make a difference, or explore and build something new for humanity, you should seek to study the skills and tools that you believe will best help you succeed. For me, natural sciences and the study path of materials science and engineering at Aalto School of Chemical Engineering were a clear choice in this respect. 

There is no need to solve major global problems alone – right skills and networks are useful.”