In the heart of my academic adventure lies the FMT group, where I immerse myself in the realm of Functional Materials and Technologies. The story started in early 2022 when I took a transformative step in my academic journey by joining FMT as part of my PhD. This was an incredible experience, not only on the academic scale but also as a profound life experience. Engaging with the group refined my academic prowess and offered a holistic perspective on life. This year within FMT stands out as the peak of my PhD journey, where the concepts of working passionately and relishing every moment of my research became ingrained in my approach. The group's collaborative atmosphere and interdisciplinary nature fostered an environment where the pursuit of knowledge was intertwined with personal and professional fulfilment.
Nowadays, as a postdoctoral researcher, my focus revolves around Functional Materials. The hands-on experience, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and the collaborative spirit within the group have not only enhanced my skill set but broadened my perspective. Each day brings new challenges and discoveries, making my postdoctoral journey both intellectually stimulating and fulfilling. Engaging in experimental trials and collaborative discussions has been instrumental in refining my research approach.
Living in Finland has been a cultural rich with warmth and innovation. The Finnish commitment to work-life balance, sustainability, and the seamless integration of technology and nature has been eye-opening. The pristine landscapes and the friendly nature of the people have created a welcoming environment. My experiences in Finland have been integral in shaping not just my academic pursuits but also my full cultural appreciation.
BTW: I discovered many shared cultural elements.
Looking ahead, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of future collaborations. The inclusive nature of the University of Oulu and the FMT group provides an ideal environment for forging partnerships. I envision collaborative ventures that transcend borders bringing impactful and globally relevant research together. I'm quite confident that we'll soon achieve a remarkable breakthrough that will gain global recognition.
Big shoutout to the University of Oulu and FMT for being the wind beneath my academic wings. As I gear up for the next chapter, I'm grateful for the lessons learned, friendships forged, and the incredible journey so far.
Writer:
Ahmed Abdelghany, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Oulu, Kerttu Saalasti Institute, Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) research group
In Kerttu Saalasti Institute's blog we write about the topics of the Institute's research groups, micro entrepreneurship education and the Institute's general topics. The authors are researchers, experts and members of networks.
Our topics are: micro entrenepreneurship, future manufacturing technologies, regional excellence, micro entrepreneurship education