I’m originally from Cairo, Egypt, where I completed my early studies and earned my Bachelor’s and MSc degrees in Production Engineering from Benha University. Later, I pursued my PhD in China at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of the top 40 universities worldwide, which paved the way for this unique opportunity to work at one of Europe’s leading research hubs. The University of Oulu’s global reputation, particularly in mechanical engineering and materials science, made it an ideal place to continue my academic and professional journey.
Before coming to Finland, I had already developed a foundation in materials characterization and nontraditional manufacturing techniques through projects involving friction drilling, welding technologies, failure analysis, wear resistance, and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of austenitic stainless steels. My passion for innovation and applied research led me to the University of Oulu, where I could learn from experts and advance my skills in both theory and application.
Arriving in Oulu two years ago was both exciting and challenging. I was eager to learn, yet adjusting to a new culture and environment was a significant step. However, the warm welcome I received from both the university staff and the FMT group members helped me feel at home quickly.
At the FMT group, my work primarily involves additive manufacturing of metals through laser powder bed fusion and wire additive manufacturing techniques. I also focus on hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of steels and investigate welding properties using laser and tungsten inert gas techniques, collaborating on various applied research projects. The research culture here is highly collaborative, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with a team of talented scientists, researchers, engineers, and technicians. The mentorship from experienced researchers has been invaluable, and the support from colleagues has enabled me to deepen my understanding of additive manufacturing. I particularly appreciate the group’s focus on sustainable materials and technologies, which aligns closely with my interests and values.
Coming into the FMT group, my main expectation was to gain hands-on experience and contribute to projects with real-world applications. I was eager to collaborate on innovative research regarding additive manufacturing and hydrogen embrittlement, and the FMT group has not only met but exceeded my expectations. Every day here brings a new learning opportunity. Whether it's engaging with challenges in the lab, or discussing ideas with my colleagues, I feel that my skills and knowledge are growing immensely. I’m especially excited about the future prospects of our research, as additive manufacturing techniques have the potential to reshape industries and improve sustainability.
Finland has truly impressed me in more ways than one. The respect for nature, the emphasis on education, and the high standard of living are just a few of the aspects that stand out. In severe winters, I was impressed by going to sauna at 90 °C, then quenching my body at -30 °C, what a great feeling! The Finns I have met are generally warm, thoughtful, and highly focused on their work. While Finnish culture may seem reserved initially, I’ve come to appreciate the honesty, reliability, and strong sense of community that characterize the people here.
Finnish work-life balance is also remarkable, particularly the emphasis on workers wellbeing. People value their free time and take a balanced approach to work, which is something I have come to appreciate deeply. The seasonal changes are fascinating too, experiencing the long winter nights and the bright summer days has been an adventure.
Moving forward, I hope to see more opportunities for international cooperation within the FMT group. Collaborations with other research groups and industries around the world would allow us to expand the reach and application of our work, potentially leading to groundbreaking advancements. I would personally love to work on interdisciplinary projects that bring together expertise from various fields, as I believe that many of today’s challenges require solutions that cross traditional boundaries.
In conclusion, my experience at the University of Oulu and within the FMT group has been incredibly enriching, both professionally and personally. I look forward to contributing further to our projects and hope to build lasting connections with the inspiring people I’ve met here. Finland has become a second home for me, and I’m excited to see what the future holds in this journey of exploration, learning, and innovation. I’m proud to be part of this vibrant community!
Author:
Mahmoud Khedr, PhD (Production Engineering), 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