Student stories: Wood Materials Science

Aitor Barbero, Spain

Hei, my name is Aitor Barbero. I come from the Basque country, located in the north of Spain, a region that some people say that has similarities with Finland. I'm a second year student in MSc Wood Materials Science.

I can only say good things about the University of Eastern Finland. I knew which country I was coming to when I decided to come to this university, but I did not know the city or the university, so I did not know what the experience would be like. After more than one year, I can simply say that it has been the best choice I have made. I am learning a lot about wood as a material and other topics that I am interested in, such as scientific writing. In addition, the studying environment and the student-teacher relations are really good.

Upon graduation, I will get an international Master of Science degree, which will open many doors for me. What I would really like to do is to go for a PhD, and thanks to the Master's programme and my English skills, which have improved a lot since studying here, I think that it will be much easier. In addition, studying in an international environment with people from all around the world will help me to adapt to any country I have to go for studying or working.

Already, I have recommended this programme for prospective students.  I think that studying in this university is great, and for people like me who come from other countries, it is an experience that one will never forget. A good international studying environment combined with a nice place to live in makes University of Eastern Finland a great university to study in.

Yagmur Bütün, Turkey

I am Yagmur Bütün, and I am 27 years old. My home country is Turkey where I studied double bachelor of Forest Industrial Engineering and Forestry Engineering. When I visited the Faculty of Science and Forestry of the University of Eastern Finland as an attendance in the 39th IFSS (International Forestry Students' Symposium), I had already decided on coming back here for my master studies. The international atmosphere and its competence, well-scheduled curriculum, student friendly city infrastructure and beautiful Finnish environment all contributed to experiencing the two study years to the fullest. I am currently a PhD student in Germany at the Georg-August- University, Department of Wood Biology and Wood Products. My research focuses on recovering fibres from fibreboards in order to enhance more efficient resource utilization.

You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yagmurbutun/

Li Panpan, China

Hello, my name is Li Panpan and I come from China. I study in the course-based MSc programme in Wood Materials Science here at the University of Eastern Finland. When it comes to wood-related disciplines, UEF is a pioneer in the field.  Furthermore, the Joensuu campus is located in the city centre next to the European Forest Institute headquarters and Natural Resources Institute Finland, which benefit students a lot.

What I have most enjoyed at University of Eastern Finland is the liberal and international atmosphere as well as the various excursion opportunities arranged by teachers and the Wood Materials Sciences programme coordinator. It is not uncommon to interrupt the lecturer when you get confused or have questions. In other words, you are quite free to express your ideas, suggestions and even requirements since here they believe that great ideas are worth spreading.

There is no denying the fact that the professional skills acquired from University of Eastern Finland will play a significant role in my foreseeable future. The direction I am really interested in is gradually becoming clear. Meanwhile, based on my previous courses and programme internship, my supervisor guided me to seek further study opportunities that are closely related to my Master's thesis.

I would like to recommend UEF to prospective students. No matter if you are keen to become a specialist in wood sciences or if you are just a big fan of wood as a material: University of Eastern Finland deserves to be taken into consideration first.

You can find me in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/panpan-li-94623980

Iqbal Imran, Bangladesh

I am Iqbal Bin Imran, 28 years old man from Bangladesh. As a member of one of the earliest birds in WMS, I am happy to express my thoughts on this alumni platform. After completing my BSc in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, I was dreaming to peruse my higher study in a high standard research-based programme where I can learn the theories as well as gain practical knowledge. WMS is the field of science that is beneficial to both the individual people as well as the whole humankind. This motto motivated me to study in MSc Wood Materials Science.

As a foreign student in Joensuu, it was not always easy to cope with the new culture and society. However, our coordinator, teachers and professors were so friendly and guided us to achieve our goal. Thanks to my thesis supervisor, I started to work as a research trainee in natural product research laboratory, in the biology department. There I developed my research skills in tannin chemistry, coniferous secondary metabolites and mysterious plant compounds. This advanced research knowledge boosted me to get my current PhD position.

I currently have a fully funded Early Stage Researcher position for four years at the Natural Chemistry Research Group, Organic chemistry and chemical biology laboratory, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Turku, Finland.

I am in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iqbal-bin-imran-8b658156/

Muhammad Mohsin, Pakistan

I am Muhmmad Mohsin and I studied in MSc Wood Materials Science during 2013-16. Leaving Pakistan in 2013 and travelling thousands of miles away from home and coming to Finland was one of the best decisions I have made for my personal growth and professional carrier. It has been a wonderful ride so far. I have learned some of the most interesting concepts about wood and have met some of the most amazing people. The School of Forest Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland has some of the most talented people working in state of the art labs on developing different projects for the modern world. To anyone who gets an opportunity to come here, I would say take a leap of faith and come here to experience one of the best educational systems in the world.

Currently I am doing my PhD research on “phytoremediation” at University of Eastern Finland. Here is my LinkedIn profile if you want to learn more about me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-mohsin-1986085a/

Qing Zhao, China

Moi! My name is Qing Zhao. I come from Tian Jin, a city located in the north of China. I moved to Finland in 2008. I finished my Bachelor’s degree from 2008 to 2012 in Imatra. After that, I moved to Joensuu and completed my MSc in Wood Materials Science between 2013 and 2015. Now I am a second year PhD student at UEF. Finland is definitely my second home country. I really enjoy being here.

WMS provides broad range and high quality courses, from wood itself to wood products, and as renewable bio-materials for energy and chemicals. You will learn comprehensive wood-related knowledge here. Further, there are professional teaching teams, advanced teaching facilities and laboratories. The School of Forest Sciences has strong regional and global connections. Students have many opportunities to open horizons, one of which is the practical training during which you work as a part of a team either at a research institute or company. You’ll experience an international study atmosphere, a new culture, and make new friends from all over the world. Everyone from WMS, including students, your tutor, coordinator, and supervisors are very friendly and will help you in any aspect of your life. I strongly recommend WMS to prospective students. Your future starts here!