Samu-Pekka Ojanen, 30, finds it quite motivating to know that as all doctoral research topics in DSII come straight from the industry, his studies will be useful in practice.
During his doctoral research Ojanen has been developing lasers that can be used as a compact and cost-effective way to measure gases, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Ojanen’s research involves complex and specialized expertise that few could master.
Another use case could be to use the lasers for non-invasive blood tests. Blood levels could be measured in real time by shining a light through the skin. Impressive!
Ojanen did his doctoral research in collaboration with Vaisala. Vaisala is a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence for climate action, founded in 1931.
According to Ojanen, industry partners can help DSII students gain new insights regarding their research.
“You might get ideas from the company on what to try next. For example, Vaisala helped me choose which gasses to measure.”
Ojanen mentions that attending events, such as conferences has been a highlight of his doctoral studies. Ojanen has been awarded for his skills in presenting his doctoral research. He was awarded as the best student presenter in a conference in Japan and won third place in The Millenium Pitching Contest. He sure has been able to manage a lot!
Presenting his research to bigger audiences has helped Ojanen understand his own research in new ways, and from different perspectives, which has enriched his work a lot.
“I have enjoyed conferences, as they are an opportunity to build networks and present your own research”, Ojanen amplifies.
After his graduation Ojanen will keep researching lasers with Tampere University’s Optoelectronics Research Centre and aims to bring the research closer to more practical applications, such as taking measurements from gases. Ojanen is also interested in having a part in commercialising the research as he already has actively proved during his DSII studies.
DSII studies
According to Ojanen DSII offers a great venue for getting peer support during the doctoral studies. This kind of abundant peer support isn’t usually very common on one’s road to PhD, and it has been appreciated by many other DSII students, too.
Ojanen also appreciates DSII’s industry visits and presentations given in DSII meetings. Visits to DSII partner companies have helped him understand more holistically what the other doctoral students are studying.
“I have gained new ideas and thought of new ways to utilize my own research.”
Ojanen would recommend DSII to anyone who would like to have more hands-on and practical grip of one’s research.
Text: Veera Rautio
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