Fulbright Finland News 1/2018

visiting columnist: finnish minister of education

THE ISSUE 67 VOL. 28 SPRING 2018

FULBRIGHT FINLAND

Telling Stories that Matter

Screenwriter Mikko Alanne and Stories of Courage

Promoting Internationalization of Education and Research Fulbright Seminar on Cybersecurity

From U.S. Coast Guard to

World's Capital of Icebreaking biannual magazine published by the fulbright finland foundation

FROM THE EDITOR

Investing in Academic, Scientific, and Professional Collaboration

T

he Fulbright Finland Foundation has a special mandate to advance the internationalization of higher education and research

in Finland and to help Finnish higher education

we invest in academic, scientific, and professional

institutions create linkages and sustainable collab-

collaboration. This became powerfully evident in

oration with U.S. universities. In this issue of the

the discussions and debates of our annual Fulbright

Fulbright Finland News, we share some of the many

Forum seminar in Helsinki (p. 9). The takeaways

ways in which we fulfill this mandate, including

from Fulbright Finland’s special regional semi-

creating new grant opportunities through strategic

nar on “Making Democracies Resilient to Modern

partnerships (p. 4), organizing capacity building

Threats” were equally eye-opening (p. 6). Among

workshops (p. 10), and promoting Finnish educa-

the many themes of current and global importance,

tion and research to key audiences in the United

Fulbright Finland also continues to support Arctic

States (p. 5). As our invited columnist, we are so

research, and will host the Fulbright Arctic Initia-

pleased to have Ms. Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, the

tive scholars in Finland for their mid-term plenary

Finnish Minister of Education, assess the signifi-

week again in 2019 (p. 4).

cance and impact of Fulbright Finland on the internationalization efforts from the perspective of the

THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS of any exchange

Finnish higher education and science policy (p. 3).

program is the impact of its participants. Hence it is our alumni who figure most prominently in this

THE VISION OF FULBRIGHT FINLAND is to

magazine, sharing their work and experiences, and

empower the minds that will find global solutions

plans for shaping the future. I hope you enjoy read-

to tomorrow’s challenges. Today, Fulbrighters are

ing the 67th issue of the Fulbright Finland News –

collaboratively tackling some of the most urgent

with the same strategic focus but with a new look!

issues facing the global community. They recognize that the challenges we face cannot be addressed by

IN THIS ISSUE

using the higher education, knowledge, and inno-

Terhi Mölsä

vation resources of one nation alone. They must be

Chief Executive Officer

addressed together. Therefore, it is imperative that

Fulbright Finland Foundation

6 8 10

MAKING DEMOCRACIES RESILIENT TO MODERN THREATS Countering network intrusions and misinformation NEW FULBRIGHT FINLAND GRANTEES 38 New Awardees WORKSHOP ON SUCCESSFUL STUDENT MOBILITY Sharing practical solutions for creating lasting partnerships

12

WILLIAM WOITYRA U.S. Coast Guard officer reflects on his Fulbright in Finland Cover photo: Patrik Barck

4 News 14 Alumni in Focus: Mikko Alanne 18 Alumni News 2 | www.fulbright.fi

VISITING COLUMNIST

Fulbright is a Valuable Partner in Internationalization Efforts Finnish Fulbright grantees are well-known ambassadors of Finland’s higher education system and research institutions abroad.

I

ncreasing international connections at all levels of education is an important strategic goal for Finnish education and science policies. The Fulbright program plays an important role in our efforts to achieve this goal.

From the very beginning, the Fulbright program has been a pioneer in developing relations between Finland and the United States.

By enhancing academic and cultural co­­ operation between our countries, the program has enabled students and scholars to build networks, especially personal ones. From its inception, the Fulbright partnership has provided new opportunities for strengthening the interaction between our countries.

The program has aged gracefully, yet is continuing to expand. Over the years, the importance of Fulbright grantees for the Finnish scientific community and the training of researchers has been widely recognized, even by corporate management and political leadership.

For example, more than half of all professors at the University of Helsinki in the 1990s were “Fulbrighters”. The Finnish alumni community of the Fulbright program consists of more than 3,700 scholars and students and includes experts in scientific and cultural fields of study.

Among the alumni are two winners of the Finlandia Literary Prize, and even a Nobel Laureate in Economics. It is clear that Fulbright alumni are making an impact in science, the arts and other sectors of society both in Finland and in the United States.

Over the decades, the Fulbright Finland Foundation has grown an active network of hundreds of alumni also in the United States.

In 2017, the American alumni network, Friends of Fulbright Finland, launched a project called Centennial Ambassadors. This initiative is now a permanent part of the Finnish higher education marketing actions in the United States.

Finnish Fulbright grantees are well-known ambassadors of Finland’s higher education system and research institutions abroad. They have played an important part in supporting Finnish educational and research cooperation and the export of Finnish knowledge, expertise and educational innovation. In the strategy “Policies to Promote Internationalisation in Higher Education and Research”, drawn up by the Ministry of Education and Culture and Finnish higher education institutions, the existence of such networks is recognized as an asset that needs to be actively fostered.

In fall 2018, Finland will post a permanent “ambassador”, who is an expert in education and science policies, to Washington, D.C. The expert will be part of the newly launched global Team Finland Knowledge network of educational experts. He or she will promote Finland-U.S. cooperation in the field of higher education, research and science and raise awareness of Finland as a country of high-quality education, research and innovations. This is an excellent new opening to build contacts.

THE FINNISH ASLA-FULBRIGHT PROGRAM was founded as early as in 1949. This means that next year marks the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright cooperation. I do not think there were many people back in the 1940s who could have imagined that Fulbright activities would grow into what they are today: a broad transatlantic bridge between Finland and the United States.

However, that is exactly what has happened.

This bridge has served us well and has provided a safe and solid route for many Finns and Americans to take part in educational exchanges overseas — and I am convinced that it will continue to do so also in the future.

Sanni Grahn-Laasonen Minister of Education

www.fulbright.fi | 3

NEWS

Fulbright Finland launches two new partnerships to benefit U.S. and Finnish graduate students.

SIMON KELLOGG

Two New Grant Opportunities Master’s Degree Studies in Tampere The Fulbright-Tampere University Graduate Award

Business Studies in Florida

offers a full two-year tuition scholarship for U.S. Fulbright students entering a Master’s degree

Fulbright Finland Partnership Award with the

program at the University of Tampere or Tampere

University of South Florida provides the Finnish

University of Technology. In addition, the awardee

awardees with an opportunity to complete a full

receives a monthly maintenance allowance for

Master’s degree or non-degree studies in Mar-

living expenses for one academic year, a travel

keting, Information Systems/Analytics, Account-

allowance, full Fulbright Finland program support

ing or Finance at USF. The awardees will receive a

services, and an opportunity to participate in an

tuition waiver, a position of a Graduate Assistant

introductory summer school in Finland on Finnish

with a stipend of 12,500 USD per year from the

language, culture and society.

University of South Florida. The benefits include

The award is targeted primarily for Master’s degree studies, but academically talented doc-

also Fulbright Finland orientation training and support services.

toral students and Master’s degree exchange stu-

This cooperation was launched at the initia-

dents will also be considered. Fulbright Finland

tive of Professor James Stock, Fulbright-Hanken

Foundation has similar partnership awards with

Distinguished Chair in Business and Economics.

University of Turku, University of Helsinki and

His grant at Hanken School of Economics spanned

Lappeenranta University of Technology.

multiple visits in 2016 and 2017.

FULBRIGHT SUPPORTING ARCTIC RESEARCH Soili Nystén-Haarala

Daria Gritsenko

S

ixteen scholars from the Arctic Council

Fulbright Arctic Scholars engage with govern-

member countries have begun their joint

ments, NGOs, businesses, and Arctic communi-

work in the second cohort of Fulbright Arc-

ties through individual research exchange visits,

tic Initiative, collaborating on multi-disciplinary

online collaborations, and through a series of group

research to advance Arctic nations’ shared inter-

seminars in Canada, Finland and the United States.

est in building resilient communities and sustain-

The Fulbright Finland Foundation will organize the

able economies. The Fulbright Arctic Scholars are

Mid-term Plenary Week for the Arctic scholars in

exploring topics such as renewable energy, fish-

Finland in late February 2019.

eries management, health and wellness, and tele-

The initiative is sponsored by the U.S. State

communications infrastructure in the Arctic over

Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural

the ongoing 18-month program.

Affairs and it supports interdisciplinary research for

The scholar participants were selected from

scholars from Arctic Council member countries. The

the eight member countries of the Arctic Council

Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum that

and they include two scholars from Finland: Soili

includes Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Nor-

Nystén-Haarala from the University of Lapland and

way, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. Finland

Daria Gritsenko from the University of Helsinki.

has the chairmanship of the Council in 2017–2019.

Elizabeth Rink from Montana State University, in turn, will be visiting Finland through the program.

4 | www.fulbright.fi

www.fulbright.fi/en/fulbright-arctic-initiative

NEWS

Kristina Mattila, Annie Brandt and Terhi Mölsä.

Promoting Finnish Education in the United States

T

he unique features of Finnish higher

Destination Finland: Expanding U.S. Study

experiences in Finland and the lasting

education and building capacity for

Abroad - a briefing paper authored jointly

cooperation and the continuing ripple

more U.S. students to study in Finland

by the Institute of International Education

effects of her Fulbright term. The event

– these were the focus of a presentation

(IIE), the Fulbright Finland Foundation,

was hosted by Kristina Mattila, the Finn-

by Fulbright Finland CEO Terhi Mölsä to

and the Finnish National Agency for Edu-

ish Honorary Consul in Pennsylvania, and

an audience of approximately 250 inter-

cation came out just in time for NAFSA and

organized by the Finnish National Agency

national educators at the recent NAFSA

was distributed during the conference.

for Education.

conference in Philadelphia. She shared

Fulbright Finland alumna Ann

F.

the stage on a NAFSA panel with the U.S.

Brandt served as the speaker at a separate

Assistant Secretary of State for Educa-

Finland brunch organized during the con-

tional and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce.

ference. Annie works as Speech-Language

In addition, Terhi Mölsä spoke at a work-

Pathologist at the Greater Latrobe School

shop for nearly 40 U.S. campus advisors

District. She participated in the Fulbright

from around the United States who work

Distinguished Awards in Teaching Pro-

with advising U.S. students and scholars

gram in Finland in 2016. Annie spoke to

on Fulbright grant opportunities.

the audience about her study and research

An electronic version of “Destination Finland” can be found at: https://bit.ly/2sQJR4A.

Roth-Thomson Awards to Olsen and Viggiano Emily Olsen

Tiffany Viggiano

Fulbright-EDUFI Fellows Emily Olsen

expands her project to include an element

and Tiffany Viggiano received the 2018

of sharing the research outcomes with the

Roth-Thomson Awards. The award sup-

institutional and political actors who can

ports Emily Olsen’s plan to travel to meet

influence policy. She presents her find-

bullying prevention program KiVa devel-

ings with members of parliament and the

opers and Finland’s LGBTQ advocacy NGO,

educational community around Finland.

SETA. Emily is currently completing her

Roth Endowment Awards are granted

doctoral degree on Epidemiology at the

annually to U.S. Fulbright students in

University of Tampere. Her doctoral the-

Finland focusing on the arts, humanities

sis focuses on school violence and bul-

and social sciences. Fulbright Finland

lying disparities among sexual minority

Foundation has worked with the Lois Roth

adolescents.

Endowment since 1991.

Tiffany Viggiano conducts research on global responsibility at the University of Jyväskylä. With the award, she

www.fulbright.fi | 5

CYBERSECURITY SEMINAR

Making Democracies Resilient to Modern Threats Network-based intrusions, influence campaigns, misinformation and ‘fake news’ were the focus of a recent Fulbright Finland seminar in Helsinki.

Text TERHI MÖLSÄ Photos STUDIO TERHO PHOTOGRAPHY

Seminar program, presentations, photos, and further readings: www.fulbright.fi/en/ making-democraciesresilient

D

emocratic societies, institutions, and

Richard Harknett from the University of Cincinnati

individual citizens are facing entirely

who was the inaugural U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Scholar

new challenges in the modern era: net-

in Cybersecurity in 2017 and the first scholar-­

work-based intrusions, misinformation and ‘fake

in-residence at U.S. Cyber Command in 2016.

news,’ influence campaigns, and many more. These

The impressive lineup of panelists also included

threats have the potential to disrupt economic

Jonathan Albright from Columbia, Matthew A.

activity and development, threaten the national

Baum from Harvard, Adam Berinsky from MIT,

security of like-minded nations, jeopardize indi-

Briony Swire-Thompson from Northeastern Uni-

vidual privacy, and sow mistrust among citizens

versity and Harvard Institute for Quantitative Social

towards their national and collective democratic

Sciences, and Oskari Eronen from Crisis Manage-

institutions.

ment Institute. The seminar was moderated by Jed

This regional academic seminar under the

The seminar was organized by the Fulbright

Threats” highlighted a wide range of threats and

Finland Foundation in cooperation with the Finn-

provided strategies for institutions and individuals

ish Prime Minister’s Office, the Finnish Ministry

to understand and deal with them. Presentations

for Foreign Affairs, and the United States Depart-

by leading researchers and experts in the field

ment of State. It was hosted by the Metropolia

focused on how to recognize disinformation and

University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki. The

influence campaigns, media literacy and the role

seminar attracted over 190 government officials,

of media organizations and individual journalists,

academic researchers, senior field experts, tech-

security in digital spaces, and positive examples of

nology experts, corporate advisors, journalists and

how democracies are currently countering these

media professionals. Over 30 of the participants

threats.

came from abroad representing all of the Nordic

The keynote address was delivered by Professor

6 | www.fulbright.fi

Willard from Harvard.

title of “Making Democracies Resilient to Modern

and Baltic countries and the United States.

CYBERSECURITY SEMINAR

Fulbright got it right.

The alternative to digital tribalism is face-to-face crosscultural exchange.

Richard Harknett concluded his keynote by stressing the importance of an active civic culture, critical thinking, and faceto-face cultural exchanges in building democracies more resilient to digital threats. “Fulbright got it right. The alternative to digital tribalism is faceto-face cross-cultural exchange.”

Jonathan Albright (left) spoke about how social media platforms are used to interfere with democratic processes, in a panel with Matthew A. Baum, and Jed Willard.

FULBRIGHT ALUMNI FROM NORDIC AND BALTIC

spective of their professional occupation, all found

countries met in a special event organized by the

the topic to be of importance to them as individual

Fulbright Finland Foundation in conjunction with

citizens. U.S. graduate student Chitti Desai flew to

the public seminar.

the Helsinki seminar from Norway, where she cur-

The Foundation sponsored the participation

rently works as a Fulbright U.S. Student Research

for alumni and grantees from the region to attend

Fellow. “It is incredibly important for everyone to

the meeting and participate in the seminar. The

be critical of the threats to democracy brought on

purpose was to create new networks in the region,

particularly by the internet and social media, and

discuss the theme of the seminar, and to talk about

I laud Fulbright Finland for organizing the sem-

ways in which Fulbright as a program is responding

inar around this pressing theme,” she says. Lat-

to current and global challenges. Close to 30 Ful-

vian Fulbright alum Olevs Nikers agrees: “Media

bright grantees and alumni attended the meeting.

literacy is a key. My personal takeaway was double

The participants also had an opportunity to meet for

checking my own definition of democracy which is

a small-group in-depth discussion over lunch with

all about compromise and thoughtful engagement

the keynote speaker Dr. Richard Harknett, and the

by members of our society.”

day concluded with an invitational reception for fur-

“The terrifying take home message for me is

ther networking with the invited experts attending

that the recent attacks are just the beginning,”

the seminar.

says the current Fulbright-Aalto University Distin-

Many of the participating Fulbright alumni from

guished Chair, Dr. Joshua M. Pearce from Michi-

the Nordic and Baltic countries currently work in

gan Technological University. “We need to follow

government or private sector positions in which

Finland’s example and inoculate the public from

the theme of the seminar is highly relevant and

‘alternative facts’ with high-quality public edu-

they can apply the takeaways from the seminar

cation that produces citizens capable of critical

directly in their day-to-day work. However, irre-

thinking,” Dr. Pearce concludes.

Briony SwireThompson presented on cognitive approaches to the correction of misinformation.

www.fulbright.fi | 7

STUDIO TERHO PHOTOGRAPHY

NEW AWARDEES

New Fulbright Finland Awardees The Fulbright Finland Foundation announced the 2018–2019 grants to the United States at the Helsinki City Hall in May. Text EMMI JELEKÄINEN

A

ltogether 38 new Fulbright Finland schol-

supported, among others, by KAUTE Foundation,

ars, teachers, students and professionals

University of Turku, University of Oulu, University

received their grants at the annual Ful-

of Helsinki, University of Tampere, Aalto Univer-

bright Finland Award Ceremony at the Helsinki

sity, Technology Industries of Finland Centennial

City Hall in May.

Foundation, Vanderbilt University, and University

The grantees represent a wide range of disci-

of Colorado Denver.

plines and research topics from gender pay gap to

The event was hosted jointly by the Ministry for

sustainable energy and international relations. Two

Foreign Affairs of Finland and the City of Helsinki.

scholars were selected for the special 18-month Fulbright Arctic Initiative program focusing on multidisciplinary research in Arctic issues. This year, there is also an exceptionally high number of awardees going to the United States to advance their PhD research.

The awards are made possible by support from the Finnish and U.S. governments, the Finland-America Educational Trust Fund, Fulbright Finland’s partners from the higher education and private sectors both in Finland and the United States, as well as individual donors.

The 2018–2019 awards to the United States are

8 | www.fulbright.fi

To learn more about Iida, Tuomas and all other grantees, see the full list of Fulbright Finland grantees 2018–2019 www.fulbright.fi/en/fulbright-finlandgrantees-2018-2019

Iida Tikka ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant Iida is going to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. to complete a Master’s degree in Security Studies. She is a foreign news reporter at YLE and former Moscow correspondent for MTV3 and STT. Tuomas Lihr ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant Tuomas is going to Yale University to complete a Master’s degree in Global Affairs. Currently he is working as a Specialist at the Finnish Prime Minister's Office.

FULBRIGHT FORUM

Use your hands!

Fulbright-VTT scholar Miiri Kotche and Fulbright teacher alumna Tarja Mykrä participating in a problem-solving classroom activity.

Learning Across Disciplines Inspiring presentations at the Fulbright Forum seminar promoted crossdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.

Text MAIJA KETTUNEN “Fulbright Forum seminar was an eye-opening

versity, science and art meet technology and busi-

experience. I was deeply intrigued by the diverse,

ness. We are building an innovative society through

comprehensive range of topics and discussions

high-quality, transdisciplinary research, teaching

that the Fulbright grantees had to offer,” says Ful-

and artistic activity,” Vice President of Education

bright-Lappeenranta University of Technology

Eero Eloranta stated in his opening remarks.

Graduate grantee Thinh Truong.

Thinh Truong, Fulbright-Aalto Distinguished

Truong among 28 other U.S. grantees presented

Chair Joshua Pearce and Fulbright-VTT scholar Yun

on their Fulbright projects during the fifth annual

Ji presented together on Keeping Coal in the Ground.

Fulbright Forum seminar.

“Our panel discussion regarding the current global

The seminar attracted students and lecturers

energy challenge was one of many examples show-

from the University of Helsinki and the capital area

ing a passionate, yet collaborative, dialogue from

as well as teacher trainees from China and Malay-

different fields of study: nuclear, solar and bio-­

sia, Fulbright Finland alumni, and guests from the

energies. Despite our different fields of research,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore.

we were interrelated through the dialogue and

Theresa Dietrich, an English Teaching Assistant

brought together unique opinions and innovative

grantee flew in from Norway. She encourages other

ways to help achieve a clean, sustainable and reli-

teacher grantees to attend the seminar: “The Ful-

able future supply of global energy,” Truong says.

bright Forum is an excellent opportunity for educa-

“Fulbright Forum was intellectually stimulat-

tion related grantees to learn about the innovative

ing and personally rewarding,” Fulbright teacher

practices and policies that make Finnish education

Samuel Northern notes and highlights the aspect

unique and, in many ways, exemplary.”

of learning across disciplines: “This is one of the things that makes the Fulbright program so great.

Collaborative Dialogue

I have been able to explore my own research inter-

In addition to Education related themes on the first

ests and learn more about the world from fellow

seminar day, the program covered research in Eco-

Fulbrighters,” Northern concludes.

nomics, Health and Epidemiology, Arctic studies and Engineering. Aalto University was a natural location for the second, multidisciplinary day. “At Aalto Uni-

Thinh Truong

Seminar program www.fulbright.fi/en/fulbright-forum

Joseph Talarico visiting from Greece Fulbright Finland sponsored the seminar participation for Inter-Country Travel Grantee and Fulbright Teacher from Greece Joseph Talarico. The Fulbrighters’ projects and presentations impressed Talarico immensely. “My visit to Finland changed my entire perspective on education and I cannot wait to bring my findings back to Greece and the United States”, says Talarico. www.fulbright.fi | 9

INTERNATIONALIZATION SERVICES

How to Establish Successful Student Mobility with U.S Universities?

Invited experts and workshop participants shared best practices and coached each other on practical solutions for student exchange partnerships with U.S. universities and on attracting U.S. students to Finland.

Text KAROLIINA KOKKO

The Fulbright Finland Foundation supports the internationalization of Finnish higher education institutions.

The Foundation organizes workshops and training seminars that address different themes relevant to the internationalization of Finnish higher education.

The latest workshop was organized in March 2018 and it focused on best practices and key factors for building student mobility partnerships with U.S. universities. www.fulbright.fi/en/ internationalizationservices

10 | www.fulbright.fi

F

ulbright Finland brought together close to 40 Finnish higher education institution (HEI) representatives from 27 different institu-

tions to discuss successful partnership building with U.S. universities. The workshop was organized as a follow-up to the 2016 Fulbright Finland Capacity Building Workshop on Recruiting U.S. Students to Finland.

The workshop helped me to think out of the box and dare to develop new forms of collaboration.

A long-term specialist in the field of international education, Assistant Provost Heidi Gregori-Gahan from the University of Southern Indiana and Regional Educational Advising Coordinator

Attracting U.S. Students a Top Challenge

Peter Baker from the U.S. Department of State

The pre-workshop survey, conducted among the

shared the U.S. institutional perspective on inter-

participants, revealed that the most crucial chal-

national partnership building. Successful Finnish

lenge that Finnish HEI’s face in establishing and

examples on U.S. university mobility cooperation

maintaining partnerships with U.S. universities is

and utilizing the Fulbright program in the insti-

attracting U.S. students to Finland. Identifying a

tutional partnership building were presented

suitable partner university in the U.S. was another

by University Lecturer Hanna Vehmas from the

common challenge for Finnish HEIs as well as the

University of Jyväskylä as well as Senior Lecturer

Finnish and U.S. institutions’ different interests

Marina Wikman from the Satakunta University

in the length of the student exchange periods. The

of Applied Sciences. Current U.S Fulbright fellows

cost and practicalities of the Finnish residence per-

shared their insights in a panel discussion on mar-

mit process was also often pointed out in the survey

keting Finland for U.S. students.

as a hindrance for Finnish–U.S student mobility.

Tips for Improving the Promotion of Finnish HEIs

Key Factors for Successful Partnership

To improve the promotion of Finn-

The workshop presenters from

ish HEIs, the Fulbright U.S. student

Finnish HEIs had recently signed

panelists and other workshop par-

student exchange agreements with

ticipants encouraged the institu-

U.S. universities and highlighted

tion representatives to consider

the following factors as key ele-

the following measures:

ments in a successful partnership

..

Invest resources on the communication with prospective students. Prompt replies are very important in the competitive markets of

..

international education.

.. ..

building process: An active and committed faculty member is an asset “Faculty Champions”.

The partnership cannot depend solely on personal

Highlight the great support

connections. Invested

systems international

institutions and committed

students have in Finland as well as the ease of getting things set up in Finland as a

.. .. .. ..

new resident of the country.

..

The biggest challenge is often hesitation and resistance of people. Take time to persuade and convince all

for volunteer work in a local

important parties: institution

organization. It is attractive

heads (resource allocators),

for students.

colleagues, and international

awarding process more transparent in Finland.

Highlight “the fun local student life”.

Promote students’ opportunities for involvement in current research. This is very appealing to U.S. students.

– Thinh Truong, U.S. Student panelist

key actor/s are both needed.

Offer U.S. students an option

Make the research grant

I got inspired to look for study opportunities in Finland after getting to know Finland through a Finnish exchange student at my home campus in the U.S. Personal connections make a great difference!

Partnership’s ultimate beneficiaries are the students. It’s an effective argument in discussions with any party.

..

office personnel.

At the beginning, make sure there are real possibilities for the institutions to

– Hanna Vehmas, workshop presenter, University of Jyväskylä

work together. Institution representatives need to meet face-to-face, get to know each other, the institutions, and to learn about the underlying goals and motivations.

In Finland the students in Biology are doing the coolest research in

Institutions interested in working

the forest! – Andrew House, U.S.

together should have enough

Student panelist

common disciplines, subjects and even individual courses so that the

What Works Well?

Workshop attendees wanted to share their own wellproven practices for negotiating student exchange part-

..

nerships with U.S. institutions.

Provide short-term opportunities for U.S. students in Finland, for example a winter school, in exchange

Untapped Resources

visiting students and faculty can

for longer term placements for your own students

In the workshop discussions it

find natural choices for classes to

in the U.S. Offer integrated classes with the local

became evident that Finnish HEIs

take or to teach. There shouldn’t

could take better advantage of the

be a need to figure out syllabus

U.S. students and faculty at their

contents in a forceful way. – Hanna

campus and the institution’s U.S.

..

alumni for promotional purposes.

Ask recruitment ideas for U.S.

..

Vehmas, University of Jyväskylä Ensure credit transfer and make it clear for the students

markets, make a promotional

before the exchange (for

video with them, and use

example produce a credit

them as a springboard for

transfer fact sheet).

student exchange partnership

It is very important to get all the

..

discussion with their U.S. institution.

Begin an Ambassador Program and integrate it to your student and faculty mobility processes as a standard element. Task and train your students and faculty members going to the U.S. as ambassadors. Visiting students and scholars are also excellent promoters of your institution.

course credits from the exchange period accepted into the home university degree, particularly for the U.S. students (and their parents who fund the studies)

.. .. .. ..

students.

Use the Fulbright program, for example the Fulbright Specialist program, to bring a member of a U.S. institution staff or faculty to your campus to initiate partnership discussions.

Test cooperation with a U.S. institution first in the form of a joint online course or project. This is a great way to see how the faculty and student cooperation functions.

Participate in the U.S. Higher Education Partnership Fair at the annual NAFSA conference in the U.S. hen you have accomplished a partnership W agreement, be sure to nurture it!

in order to avoid expensive gap years. – Hanna Vehmas, University

..

of Jyväskylä To build partnerships, you need to market Finland and your institution successfully. This depends on how you package it!

The Fulbright Finland Foundation wants to thank USA Study Abroad and the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture for their support for the workshop.

All the workshop materials including the agenda, presentation slides, and pre-workshop survey results can be found at www.fulbright.fi/en/capacity-building-workshop-2018 www.fulbright.fi | 11

ON THE COVER

From U.S. Coast Guard to

World's Capital of Icebreaking

The MCPD program, through its graduates, has an immediate and lasting impact.

William Woityra U.S. Coast Guard officer MCPD Grantee 2018

H

PATRIK BARCK

William Woityra reflects on his Fulbright in Finland.

aving devoted my career to icebreaking, I

the application process, made preparations for my

could think of no better place in the world

grant, and attended the orientation in Helsinki,

to study icebreakers and icebreaking than

I was very impressed by the staff and leadership

Finland. Helsinki, after all, is the world’s capital for

of the Fulbright Finland Foundation. They lead a

all things icebreaking. This should surprise no one,

highly efficient and extraordinarily professional

as Finland is the only country in the world whose

program. I cannot imagine a better run Fulbright

ports all freeze in a typical winter. More than 90%

program anywhere else in the world.

of Finland’s trade arrives via maritime means, and the Port of Helsinki is consistently first or second

SOON AFTER MY ARRIVAL I met my host, Markus

among the ports in Europe, as ranked by passenger

Karjalainen, at the Finnish Transport Agency

arrivals and departures. These factors all under-

(Liikennevirasto). With his expert assistance I was

score the urgency that motivates the efficiency and

able to take meetings with all the stakeholders

effectiveness of Finland’s winter navigation system.

from the winter navigation system. These included

I applied for the Mid-Career Professional Devel-

the winter navigation team at FTA, and other parts

opment (MCPD) grant in Finland for two reasons.

of the government, as well as private entities. At

The first was Finland’s incredible depth and concen-

every turn I was impressed by the skill, experience,

tration of experience and knowledge in icebreaker

and professionalism of the individuals who all con-

design and operations. The second was the nature

tributed to the safe and efficient execution of the

of the program. As a professional mariner and Coast

winter navigation system.

Guard officer, other Fulbright programs (as a scholar

At the end of January, I met the Arctia icebreaker

or student) were an imperfect fit for me. The MCPD

Polaris in Katajanokka. We sailed north to assist

offered an incredible opportunity to step away from

vessels in and out of Kemi and Tornio. The world’s

my routine duties with the Coast Guard on a four-

first liquefied natural gas (LNG) icebreaker, Polaris

month sabbatical. In doing so, I would immerse

features technology and design elements that set

myself in the culture of Finland, and learn first-hand

the entire icebreaker world ahead by a decade. The

from the world’s experts how icebreaking is done.

master, Pasi Järvelin, and his crew were exceptional hosts. It was extraordinary to watch them

I WAS ALSO INSPIRED by how the program is able

working only meters away from huge vessels to

to deliver outsized returns on a small investment.

free them from the ice, and escort them to and from

By identifying and developing professionals at the

port. Chilling winds up to 20 m/s and temperatures

core years of their careers, the MCPD program,

dipping to −25°C kept the team on their toes, but

through its graduates, has an immediate and lasting

their skill, experience, and deft execution ensured

impact. The MCPD grantees have an opportunity to

the safe and efficient movement of traffic.

turn their Fulbright experiences into leadership in

I am very lucky to have this opportunity and I

their fields as soon as they return home. This focus

am entirely grateful to the Fulbright Finland Foun-

on the practitioners and professionals, rather than

dation for making it possible.

academics, ensures that the impact of the program will be felt in months, rather than years or decades.

My choice of Finland for the reasons above turned out to be quite fortuitous. As I navigated

12 | www.fulbright.fi

Mid-Career Professional Development Program www.fulbright.fi/en/professionals-specialists-and-teachersvarious-fields/mid-career-professional-development-program

CURRENT GRANTEES

Kindness, Compassion and Gratitude

Kaisla Komulainen ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2017–2018 Department of Epidemiology Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston

T

his past academic year in the U.S. has been inspirational, engaging, and reframing.

I’ve worked with an amazing mentor in an

I think my most crucial task, a privilege, is to live this experience, discover its value and pass it on.

outstanding group, met brilliant people from the U.S. and all over the world, and have crossed paths with friends that I wish to know for the rest of my life. I’ve also seen disillusioning examples of how even in this land of opportunity there are popula-

Read the full article at www.fulbright.fi/en/ kindess-compassiongratitude

tions who find themselves disadvantaged, and how

brighter, and the recipient of the ASLA-Fulbright

the ideas of health unequivocally shared in my aca-

Alumni Ambassadorial Award, I’ve been thinking

demic environment are not reflected in reality.

about my involvement, affiliation with the pro-

In a different culture, I’m looking at everything

gram, role as a representative – and eventually, I

from a distance. I’ve become less naïve and pre-

think my most crucial task, a privilege, is to live

sumptuous, realizing much of my own ignorance

this experience, discover its value and pass it on.

stemmed from the lack of prior exposure to a soci-

We’re beating back the frontiers of ignorance – as

ety as different and diverse as the U.S. I’ve also

my mentor sometimes jokingly says. Scientifically,

seen such kindness, compassion, gratitude and

of course, but for me also personally. It’s at those

hospitality that I’ve not seen before – in the form

weird intersections of feeling like a stranger but

of utensils my colleague donated to my new apart-

still like home, knowing so little and yet given such

ment, a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner with my

precious opportunities to learn, forming bonds

professor’s family, as well as sudden, invaluable

that are based on differences, where very valuable

conversations with people who live on the streets.

things in life may take place. I believe these inter-

A very defining part of my experience is that I’m here through the Fulbright program. As a Ful-

sections define the powerful vision of the Fulbright Program. I’m privileged and grateful to take part.

Backstage Moment Richard McElvain Fulbright-University of Turku scholar, award-winning actor, director and playwright answering audience questions after the play.

Richard McElvain performed his one-man play The Chess Player twice at the National Theater in Helsinki this spring. On one of the nights, Fulbright Finland grantees and alumni had a unique opportunity to talk with Richard McElvain about the play and about his work as an actor and playwright during a special backstage moment.

McElvain’s The Chess Player was a success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and he has performed it in many theaters in Finland. McElvain will continue collaboration with the Finnish National Theater.

www.fulbright.fi | 13

ALUMNI IN FOCUS

Telling stories that matter

Screenwriter, showrunner and Fulbright Finland alumnus Mikko Alanne talks about his journey from Finland to Hollywood, and the stories of courage and endurance that continue to inspire him.

Text LOUISA GAIRN Photo LYNSEY ADDARIO

Mikko Alanne Fulbright Finland undergraduate grant 1993 to Ithaca College in New York to study Film.

M

ikko Alanne has always been fascinated by

Named one of Variety magazine’s top global cre-

true life stories. “I’ve always been drawn

atives to watch in 2018, Mikko has transformed

to stories of survival, and I’m fascinated

from screenwriter to showrunner in his latest proj-

by lone crusaders for justice, stories about who

ect, the National Geographic television series about

people become under extreme circumstances. We

the Iraq War, The Long Road Home, which began air-

expect ourselves to be heroic, but we never know

ing in late 2017. Adapted from Martha Raddatz’s

what we are capable of until we are put into that

book of the same name, the show explores the

kind of situation.”

trauma of war on both sides of the conflict, por-

Born in Espoo, Finland, in 1972, Mikko went

traying the real life experiences of a newly-arrived

to the U.S. with a Fulbright Finland Foundation

platoon of U.S. soldiers and their Iraqi translator

undergraduate grant in 1993, and has since built

who were ambushed in Sadr City in April 2004, as

a remarkable career in screenwriting for feature

well as that of their families and ordinary Iraqi

films, documentaries and television, focusing on

people.

stories of courage and adversity often based on real-life events.

14 | www.fulbright.fi

“My journey to making the show began with Martha Raddatz’s book, which I literally read in

ALUMNI IN FOCUS one sitting,” Mikko recalls. “It was one of the most

course! Then began the intense process of getting

astonishing pieces of reporting I’d ever read. What

everything ready. I was lucky to have an incredible

made it so different is that Martha captures the ter-

team around me.”

ror and chaos of war, but also the love of families

“It’s been an incredible transition from work-

and spouses, and the bonds of friendship between

ing in feature films, where you turn in the script,

the soldiers. It’s a portrait of the ordinary soldier,

perhaps visit the set and then see the film at the

of what it’s really like to go to war for the first time,

premiere, to where you have a say over every single

for both the soldiers and their families. The other

decision, and you have to approve everything from

thing that intrigued me about the book, some-

costumes to signage. It can be a quite stressful job,

thing that’s become even more apparent looking

but I was giddy with excitement. Every day I went to

back, is that it captures a tremendous crossroads

work with a big smile on my face.”

in history; the beginning of the insurgency in Iraq, the collapse into civil war, the birth of ISIS. I really

A Passion for Stories and Social Impact

feel Martha rescued all these families from being

Mikko’s love of film began as a child, and only

lost to history.”

strengthened in high school while participating in a summer abroad program for six weeks in San

Truthful Storytelling

Francisco. “It had always been my dream to come to

Mikko is fascinated by true stories of trauma,

the States. I realised I’d love to go to film school, but

heroism and hope, and says that’s why he mainly

it was not financially possible.” On hearing about

works on adaptations of real life stories. This has

the Fulbright Finland Foundation’s undergraduate

profound implications when producing a TV show

program, he applied for a scholarship to study film

or feature film, he notes. “I take very seriously the

at Ithaca College in New York.

fact that when it says ‘based on a true story’, peo-

Mikko was enrolled in the Finnish army on mili-

ple do assume that the essence of the story is true.

tary service when he discovered his application had

For The Long Road Home, I worked very closely with

been successful. “I almost missed out! It was Octo-

the principal families, eight of whom became main

ber 1992, and I’d been away for weeks on a military

characters. I got to know them very well over the

exercise in Lapland. My parents got a call from Ful-

years I spent working on the script. I had to make

bright Finland saying we sent Mikko an acceptance

sure they were comfortable with a certain amount

letter weeks ago, does he really not want to take the

of dramatic licence. Life doesn’t unfold in a three-

place? They went through the mail that had been

act dramatic structure, so as a writer you have to

piling up on my desk, and there it was.”

make adjustments.”

The ambition that drives all of my work, is to make a positive social impact, bringing the stories that matter to a wide audience.

“Studying at Ithaca really became one of those

“It is a very tragic story. We have people who lost

watershed moments that shaped what kind of work

their sons and husbands watching the show. How do

I wanted to do.” At Ithaca, in addition to studying

we portray these events so that the family can be OK

film, Mikko became fascinated by sociology. “It

with that, but so that the audience can see what war

was like discovering the subversive aspect of his-

is really like? These are challenges most projects

tory. In sociology class we talked a lot about inter-

don’t have. People directly affected by the events

personal violence, crime, punishment and justice,

are not usually the ones watching it at home.”

and it became what I wanted to make my work

“I was really inspired by the remarkable con-

about. I remember saying to my advisor, Dr. Elaine

nection and caring Martha Raddatz had with the

Leeder, that I was thinking of switching my major

families from her reporting. That became an inspi-

from film to sociology, but she talked me out of it.

ration for me and the whole production. It’s funny.

She told me the world has enough sociologists, you

I’m very much a vocal Hollywood liberal, and many

should focus on telling people about these issues in

of the veterans and their families are conserva-

film. I’m still in regular contact with her, and I still

tive Republicans, but we have this incredible bond

have some of the textbooks from that class. She’s

and love for each other. Many people on the veter-

one of the most important mentors in my career,

ans’ side said this experience changed their view

and I’d never have met her if I hadn’t gotten the

of what they thought ‘Hollywood types’ were like,

Fulbright Finland Foundation grant.”

and the same was true on the production side with

Mikko discovered his talent and passion for

respect to conservatives. Working together like

screenwriting shortly after finishing college,

this helps challenge our preconceptions of people’s

working for the director Oliver Stone. “I was a

politics or differences. It was a truly life-changing

great admirer of his work, all his films that sparked

experience for everyone in the production, partic-

enormous debate. During my last semester I got an

ularly the actors, even the editors!”

internship with Oliver’s company, and was then hired as a researcher.” Mikko worked for a year

From Screenwriter to Showrunner

as a researcher, and then as a story editor, liaising

This project is Mikko’s first experience as a show-

between writers and research teams. “We were

runner, the lead executive producer who is the

working on a film about the atomic bombings of

creative decision-maker for the entire project. “As

Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and I remember saying

a screenwriter, I had never produced a TV show

to Oliver that the writers just didn’t use the most

before. When they offered me the role I said yes, of

interesting parts of the research. He said, ‘You

www.fulbright.fi | 15

ALUMNI

To succeed in this industry you have to be fearless and bold.

should just take over and write it instead.’ That’s

first one that got made. Understandably people who

how he gave me my first screenwriting assignment.”

don’t work in the movie business don’t realise that

Mikko’s passion for bringing true stories to light

just because someone has commissioned a script it

led him to a role at Steven Spielberg’s Survivors of

may never make it to the screen. My parents at one

the Shoah Visual History Foundation (now The USC

point said it must be devastating when you work for

Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and

months and months and it doesn’t get made, but I

Education), which documents the Holocaust and

say it just hasn’t been made yet!”

other genocides through audio-visual interviews

“To succeed in this industry you have to be fear-

with survivors and witnesses. “I spent five years

less and bold. Nowadays in the creative field, there

working as Historical Content Supervisor. It was an

is a real opportunity to have your work be seen,

incredibly fascinating and inspiring place to work.”

even in YouTube you can get your work in front of

In 2004 Mikko left the Foundation to become a full-

people and it can go viral in a way that wasn’t pos-

time screenwriter after selling a project to HBO.

sible before.”

He has since worked on numerous documentaries

“The reason I’m here doing this work that I do

and feature films, including Warner Bros’s Chil-

now, is because I went to Ithaca College, a school I

ean miner rescue drama The 33, starring Antonio

had never even heard of until I applied for the Ful-

Banderas and Juliette Binoche. The ambition that

bright Finland Foundation undergraduate grant.

drives all of his work, Mikko says, is to make a pos-

I’m so grateful that I was able to go to film school

itive social impact, bringing the stories that matter

in a liberal arts college, where I could also study

to a wide audience.

sociology. It has had a tremendous impact on the work that I do. I came to Ithaca with very clear

Fearless Optimism and New Ideas

goals, but left with new ideas. You discover new

For Mikko, tenacity and optimism are essential

things all the time, and you don’t know where the

attributes in screenwriting. “I always believe every

path is going to lead you.”

project is going to be successful, otherwise you don’t give your best work. I’ve sold 14 pilots for different networks, and The Long Road Home is the

Read the full article at www.fulbright.fi/en/telling-stories-that-matter

Fulbright to the Fullest:

MATT CASHORE

Madison, Midwest and the World of Multiculturalism HERITAGE IS A TERM whose meaning I have

courses on the Sámi people, among whom my own

truly learned while living here in the Midwest.

roots lie.

Having Nordic heritage is a strong part of many

The past seven months have certainly been a

Midwesterners’ identity and a fascinating part of

time of professional as well as personal growth and

our department and many people’s lives. Many

flourishing and I am so very grateful for this as I

students here are motivated to take on a Nordic

continue my discoveries in Madison, the Midwest

language because of their heritage and desire to

and the world of multiculturalism.

discover more about their roots. Seeing closely how important knowing your roots is has taught me a

On Wisconsin! On Badgers!

lot and continues to interest me. Discovering more

And of course, on Fulbright!

about my own heritage has also been a big part of my journey here as I have had the chance to take on

16 | www.fulbright.fi

Kristiina Jomppanen Fulbright Finnish Language and Culture Teaching Assistant 2017–2018 University of Wisconsin-Madison Originally published by Embassy of Finland, Washington, D.C. Read the full text: https://bit.ly/2rKEZNJ

ALUMNI

Cuban Studies in Miami For Cuban Studies, Miami is the place to be.

Petra Kuivala ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2016–2017 Cuban Research Institute of Steven J. Green School of Public and International Affairs, Florida International University

E

stablished as a field of study in the United

approach to studying the revolution and its narra-

States in the 1970s, Cuban Studies emerged

tives.

from the need to analyze and understand

Compared to the rest of the world, scholarly study

Cuba’s revolution (1959–) and its all-encompass-

on Cuba in the United States is a world of its own.

ing dynamics in political, economic, cultural and

The paradigms regarding the Cuban revolution, for

social spheres. The field is characterized by mul-

instance, differ substantially in Cuba, the United

tidisciplinary approaches and interdisciplinary

States, and Europe. In Cuba, the revolution is still the

collaboration, the focus on Cuba as the core both

dynamic, continuous framework of ideology and life

distinguishing the scholarly discourse and binding

on the island. In Europe, scholarly interest in Cuba is

it together.

characterized by both geographical and cultural dis-

For a Finnish scholar in the field of Cuban Stud-

tance. Somewhere in between these two opposites

ies, the United States is the place to be for engaging

lies the field of Cuban Studies in the United States

in scholarly exchange and discourse. Several uni-

and the world’s largest community of immigrant

versities in the United States host research centers,

Cubans, most of them residing in Florida.

institutes and study programs of Cuban Studies.

As the country’s leading institute of Cuban

At the same time, academic studies of Cuba also

Studies, CRI provided me an opportunity to work

bridge the academia to American politics and soci-

with distinguished scholars, extensive mate-

ety through advocacy, policy making and public

rial resources and a site of continuous scholarly

discourse. This is particularly crucial in the times

exchange at the heart of the Cuban community in

when diplomatic, political and economic relations

the United States.

between Cuba and the United States have evolved

The status of a Fulbrighter, correspondingly,

with unpreceded velocity to unforeseen directions.

enabled me to communicate with the distinguished

With an ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant and

specialists of both Cuban Studies and Theology, to

ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Ambassadorial Award I

engage in dialogue regarding my own work, and to

spent the academic year of 2016–2017 as a visiting

integrate into the American academic community.

scholar at the Cuban Research Institute of Steven

I participated in a multitude of events, workshops

J. Green School of Public and International Affairs

and courses that are not available anywhere else,

of Florida International University. My research

and presented my work at several conferences

in the field of theology, church history, focuses on

and lectures, creating networks that have already

Catholicism in the Cuban revolution. With previ-

materialized into collaborations. Most importantly,

ously unexplored archival sources and oral histo-

during my time as a Fulbright visiting scholar, the

ries, my research provides new information on the

field of Cuban Studies in the United States became

silent history of Catholicism within the revolution-

an ever-present aspect of my work, a reality inter-

ary reality, and the role of the Catholic Church in

secting with the ones in Cuba and Finland.

contemporary Cuba. In Cuban Studies, this is a new

www.fulbright.fi | 17

A GREETING FROM THE ASLA-FULBRIGHT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Fulbright is a Grant Like No Other Text KIRSI CHEAS President of the ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association

T

hrough the Fulbright program, we are

Catholicism in revolutionary Cuba. Alumnus Olli-

given the opportunity to participate in a

Pekka Malinen is organizing a fascinating cul-

number of enrichment programs, meet-

tural tour in the small industrial town of Mänttä,

ing with leaders and getting to know institutions

showcasing works from the Golden Age of Finnish

in our host country while being able to connect

Art. We will also visit important financial, politi-

with other grantees from all over the world. As

cal and international institutions. Can you think of

we return home, we are expected to make use of

an institution we could visit, a topic you would like

the multiperspectival knowledge we have gained

to present on, an activity you would like to experi-

during our Fulbright term, to improve situations

ence with Fulbright fellows? Please get in touch and

and practices in our own country. Our role as Ful-

share your idea with us – we look forward to visiting

brighters reaches far beyond the completion of our

new places and discovering new forms of collabo-

Fulbright program. As we convert from grantees to

ration. Businesses and other institutions can also

alumni, our task as Fulbrighters is in many ways

become supporting members of our Association

just beginning.

and the Ambassadorial Award. All contributions

The ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association pro-

The ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association provides an excellent forum for returning Finnish grantees to continue our role as Fulbrighters.

are highly appreciated!

vides an excellent forum for returning Finnish grantees to continue our role as Fulbrighters. It also

A FUNDAMENTAL GOAL of the Association is to

promotes further connections between American

increase knowledge about the Fulbright program in

and Finnish Fulbrighters. New grantees are imme-

Finland and globally. The Fulbright program car-

diately welcomed in the worldwide Fulbright com-

ries immense potential to promote creative learn-

munity through various activities, like a welcome

ing across different national, regional, and digital

event in the fall and the Buddy program through

contexts. Yet the institutions in our countries may

which American Fulbrighters receive personal

not know about this potential, unless we take the

guidance from Finnish alumni during their stay in

initiative to approach them and tell them about our

Finland.

experiences. While Finnish Fulbrighters traveling to the U.S. should not shy away from telling Amer-

THE NEWLY ELECTED BOARD of the ASLA-Ful-

icans about Finnish practices, returning grantees

bright Alumni Association consists of enthusias-

should contribute to the development of the Finn-

tic and knowledgeable Finnish Fulbright alumni

ish system by sharing what we learned across the

with different academic backgrounds. This group

Atlantic. By taking our Fulbright commitment seri-

reflects the diverse backgrounds of the Finn-

ously and continuing to learn from one another, we

ish alumni, and our aim is to make our programs

can help assure the continuity of this fundamen-

just as versatile. Upcoming activities include

tally important program into the far future, while

alumna Petra Kuivala’s presentation concerning

also further consolidating its role in our society.

Join us!

Become a member or a supporting member. www.fulbright.fi/en/ asla-fulbrightalumni-association

ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association Board 2018–2019 President Kirsi Cheas Post-doctoral Researcher University of Helsinki ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2013–2014 Vice-President Magnus Backström Chief Strategist Elite Asset Management ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 1981–1982

18 | www.fulbright.fi

Petra Kuivala Junior Researcher University of Helsinki ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2016–2017

Antti Makkonen Corporate Counsel OP Financial Group ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2014–2015

Harriet Lonka Post-doctoral Researcher University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars – American Politics and Political Thought 2016–2017

Meri-Katriina Pyhäranta Senior Adviser The Finnish Energy Authority ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2016–2017

Elisa Repo University Teacher, PhD Student University of Turku Fulbright Finnish Language and Culture Teaching Assistant 2014–2015 Elisa Räsänen Lecturer, Finnish language Indiana University Bloomington Fulbright Finnish Language and Culture Teaching Assistant 2013–2014

Heikki Saxén Bioethics Researcher, PhD, University of Tampere; Chairman of the Board at the Finnish Institute of Bioethics ASLA-Fulbright PreDoctoral Research Fellow 2014–2015

FRIENDS OF FULBRIGHT FINLAND

Meeting old and new friends during the "afterparty" in Helsinki.

From Helsinki to Philadelphia

A

Fulbright alumni Bill Eaton and Yvonne Allen with Ruth McDermott-Levy (center) in Philadelphia.

Ruth is coming to Finland in 2018 as a Fulbright-Saastamoinen Scholar.

Barbara Mossberg Poet & Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in 1982 and 1990

merican alumni of Fulbright Fin-

Topics of conversation ranged from poli-

“Fulbright through the Finnish

land meet periodically on both

tics and sports to traveling and research

program lens is a generator, a

sides of the Atlantic. Over 50

projects. As the evening progressed, one

catalyst, an earthworm, a strange

Friends of Fulbright Finland (FoFF) gath-

could hear many promises to meet again,

attractor of growth and change.

ered together at the Fulbright Bicenten-

so just like the little gift bags from the

Humming with fellow Fulbright-

nial Residence in Helsinki in May for an

Fulbright Finland team said “Hyvää kesää,

ers, celebrating what common

“afterparty” organized by the Fulbright

see you soon!”

ground we share, of gratitude, an inner astonishment that one can

Finland Foundation. The event brought together American alumni and current

SHORTLY AFTER THE HELSINKI EVENT,

be so transformed by engagement

U.S. grantees and their families. Fulbright

another group of Friends of Fulbright

with another culture. Finland’s

Finland had the honor to host alumni who

Finland got together in Philadelphia

light deepens our greater mean-

had been in Finland on their Fulbright

for a delightful evening at the home

ings, its darkness brings out our

grants as long ago as in the late 1970s!

of U.S. Fulbright scholar alum, Profes-

capacity for resilience, creativity,

Guests included several former Bicenten-

sor Philip Alperson and Professor Mary

resourcefulness, faith. Senator

nial Chairs who were now able to revisit

Hawkesworth. In addition to U.S. alumni

Fulbright’s spirit was here—he

the Residence that once had been their

and friends of the program from multiple

loved Finland as an avatar of the

home. Many alumni were in Finland to

years, the event was also attended by a

program’s potential to forge per-

also participate in the biennial Maple Leaf

current Finnish grantee living in Phil-

sonal commitments for a global

and Eagle conference for American Stud-

adelphia and even a future U.S. grantee

society. The Afterparty commu-

ies at the University of Helsinki.

from Pennsylvania getting ready to move

nity is ongoing literally and met-

to Finland for her Fulbright next fall.

aphorically in our hearts before,

Throughout the evening, memories were shared, and stories and laughter were abundant. Many old friends met again and new friendships were made.

Text: Inari Ahokas, Emilia Holopainen, and Suzanne Louis

during, and after our essential Fulbright experience.”

www.fulbright.fi | 19

ALUMNI NEWS

CONNECTIONS CORNER BRANDON BOOR created long-lasting

EDWARD SIVAK, Flex Grant scholar 2015

worked as the Chief Executive of the

connections during his 2013-14 Fulbright

& 2016, returned to Aalto University,

Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. Gardberg

term in Finland and has continued his

School of Business last fall as a visiting

spent the fall 2017 as a visiting scholar at

research on Infant and Adult Inhalation

professor to continue the project “Cost

the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C.

Exposure with his colleagues from Uni-

Comparisons in the Delivery of Health

versity of Helsinki, The Finnish Institute

Care.” The work expanded to multiple

JOHANNA NIEMI, 1997 Fulbright Scholar

of Occupational Health, National Insti-

departments at the Helsinki University

at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

tute for Health and Welfare and Tampere

Hospital. Presentations on his research

Law School, was named the Woman of

University of Technology. Their research

were made to the executive board of

the Year by the Business and Professional

has received wide spread media coverage

the hospital, THL (National Institute of

Women (BPW) Finland. Since 2015 Niemi

in the U.S., Finland, and across the world.

Health & Welfare) & The Estonia Health

has been appointed Minna Canth Acad-

Insurance Fund in Tallinn.

emy Professor at the University of Turku.

1993 and 2007-08, has just published a

DONNA BICKFORD, 2003 scholar to Åbo

STEPHANIE JAZMINES was

new book, Reporting Cultures on 60 Min-

Akademi University in Turku, is cur-

selected as the winner

utes: Missing the Finnish Line in an Ameri-

rently the Director of the Women’s and

of the 2018 Rieger

can Broadcast co-authored with Michael

Gender Resource Center at Dickinson

Graham Prize and

Berry. He is planning a return trip to visit

College in Pennsylvania. She teaches in

a three-month

colleagues and friends in Finland in 2018-

Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Classical Design

2019.

and serves as one of the College’s three

Fellowship at

Fulbright Program Advisors for students.

the American

JAMES SCHWOCH, 2004 Fulbright Spe-

“Dickinson has a robust study abroad

Academy in Rome.

cialist at the University of Helsinki, has a

program and I often have the opportu-

Jazmines was a

new book coming out in March 2018 with

nity to talk with students about my own

U.S. Student grantee

University of Illinois Press: Wired Into

abroad experience. My time in Finland

at Aalto University’s Wood Program

Nature: The Telegraph and the North Amer-

was really transformative for me, both

in 2015-16. Currently she works as an

ican Frontier.

personally and professionally.”

architectural designer at Walt Disney

SOPHIA HAGOLANI-ALBOV, 2013-14 U.S.

EMILIE

student grantee, is working on a doctor-

Graduate

ate in the Agroecology group at the Uni-

selected as the Director of the Finnish

HAVE A STORY TO TELL?

versity of Helsinki. She is exploring the

Institute in London. She will start her

LET US KNOW!

role of agricultural sustainability tran-

four-year term in fall 2018. Gardberg

sition in the act of place-making in the

studied Art Administration at Columbia

Finnish countryside.

University in New York and previously

DONAL CARBAUGH, Fulbright alumnus,

Imagineering in Los Angeles, California.

GARDBERG, ASLA-Fulbright awardee

2006-2007

was

Mister Koli, oletteko kommunisti?

Tampereen yliopiston rehtori Paavo Koli oli ensimmäisiä Yhdysvaltoihin valittuja ASLA-stipendiaatteja ja sai myöhemmin arvonimen ”ASLA-stipendiaatti Numero Yksi”. ASLA-Fulbright -alumni Matti Parjaselta on juuri ilmestynyt teos Mister Koli, oletteko kommunisti?

Teos on Kolin elämäkerran toinen osa ja se käsittelee mm. ASLAstipendi­k auden ja Yhdysvalloissa opiskelun merkitystä Kolin uralle sekä suomalaiselle yliopistolaitokselle.

Matti Parjanen oli Yhdysvalloissa ASLA-Fulbright -tutkijastipendiaattina 1983, minkä aikana hän keräsi tietoa opetuksen arvioinnista.

Parjanen toimi rehtori Kolin assistenttina 1960-luvulla, ja on tehnyt pitkän tutkijan­uran Tampereen yliopistolla.

20 | www.fulbright.fi

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumna Lands a Unique Post-Doc Position Marjaana

Sianoja

psychology in the U.S. Professor Leslie B.

work–life balance and sleep health of

has been selected

Hammer. Sianoja’s own research focuses

Oregon national guards through increas-

on the role of recovery and workplace

ing supervisor support. Working at OHSU

Post-Doctoral

interventions in employee well-being.

as a postdoctoral researcher will continue

position at Oregon

Before embarking on the exciting next

to benefit the scientific goals of my Ful-

Health & Science

stage in her career in September, Sianoja

bright project that is to accumulate the-

University (OHSU)

will return to her Finnish home institu-

oretical knowledge on employee health

as an immediate fol-

tion, the University of Tampere, to defend

and well-being that helps governments

low-up to her Fulbright

her dissertation to conclude her doctoral

and workplaces to establish health sup-

degree.

portive policies. Working with Professor

for

a

two-year

year at MIT as a Pre-Doctoral Researcher.

This new position provides her an

“I will be working on Professor Ham-

extraordinary opportunity to work with a

mer’s project funded by the Department

leading researcher in occupational health

of Defense, which aims to improve the

Hammer, will teach me new skills to bring back to Finland.”

Text: Karoliina Kokko

International Business and Innovations in the Arctic Fulbright-EDUFI Fellow Audrey Waits will

to highlight the unique elements of the

teach a course at the Lapland University of

Arctic and to provide a foundation for the

Applied Sciences’ Summer School on Arctic

students to place their business ideas in

Cooperation and Cross-Border Expertise.

an ‘Arctic context’,” Waits says.

“I am very excited to teach at the

The Summer School on Arctic Cooper-

Lapland University of Applied Sciences’

ation and Cross-Border Expertise is part

summer school. The summer course is

of the Fulbright Speaker Program through

International Business and Innovations in

which schools and institutions can invite

the Arctic and I will introduce the Arctic

U.S. Fulbright grantees to give talks about

region. I will cover the changing Arctic

their research projects or more general

environment, geopolitical complexities in

American themes.

the Arctic, and Arctic inhabitants. I hope

In Memoriam Alfred W. Crosby

Arno Tanner

Alfred W. Crosby died peace-

The ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Associa-

fully among friends and family

tion is deeply saddened by the death of

in March 2018 at the age of 87.

Dr. Arno Tanner, Fulbright alumnus and

A graduate of Harvard College

former president and vice-president of

with an M.A.T. from the Harvard

the Association. Following his term as

School of Education, and a Ph.D.

ASLA-Fulbright Junior Scholar at the

in history from Boston Univer-

Migration Policy Institute in Washing-

sity, he taught at Albion College,

ton D.C. in 2004–2005, Arno became an

the Ohio State University, Washington State University, and

active member in the Alumni Association. The Association appreci-

the University of Texas at Austin, retiring in 1999 as Professor

ates his positive energy and optimistic attitude, which were reflected

Emeritus of Geography, History, and American Studies. Recip-

as a continuous stream of ingenious ideas and willingness to contrib-

ient of many awards, he served twice as the Fulbright Bicen-

ute to the Association’s activities, despite his demanding work as a

tennial Chair of American Studies at the University of Helsinki,

researcher at the Finnish Immigration Service.

in 1985 and 1997, and was elected to the Academy of Finland in 1995. His books have been published in twelve languages.

Arno was an exceptionally open-minded scholar and person, eager to learn from others and transform realities around him.

His work as a historian, he said, turned him from facing

He would not hesitate to question things people would often take

the past to facing the future. He lived by the maxim: What

for granted, a characteristic which made him an innovative leader

can I do today to make tomorrow better?

and a brave thinker. Arno is profoundly missed by members of the ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association.

Frances Karttunen Alfred Crosby’s wife of thirty-five years

Kirsi Cheas

Fulbright Bicentennial Chair 1997, Fulbright Researcher 1971 and 1984

President of the ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association

www.fulbright.fi | 21

FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION / FULBRIGHT SUOMI -SÄÄTIÖ

New Board Members

F

Timo Korkeamäki

Kirsimarja Blomqvist

ulbright Finland welcomes Timo

Korkeamäki and Blomqvist succeed

Korkeamäki, Professor of Finance

Matti Kokkala and Heikki Ruskoaho who

at Hanken School of Economics,

have completed their board terms. Ful-

and Kirsimarja Blomqvist, Professor for

bright Finland conveys a sincere thank

Knowledge Management at the School of

you to Dr. Kokkala and Dr. Ruskoaho for

Business and Management at Lappeen-

their dedicated service.

ranta University of Technology LUT on

The Finnish board members are

the Fulbright Finland Foundation Board of

appointed by the Ministry of Education

Directors.

and Culture.

Van Vu, Mihkel Vaim and Inari Ahokas joined the Fulbright Finland team as interns.

Institute for Student Leaders from Europe program in 2017. “As a Fulbright Finland alumna I am very excited to see this side of the scholarship process,” Inari says.

Mihkel Vaim is from Estonia and currently studying International Business and Logistics at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. Mihkel was already familiar with Fulbright Finland when he

Interning at the Fulbright Finland Foundation The Fulbright Finland Foundation offers students an opportunity to gain work experience in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

worked as a conference assistant during the Making Democracies Resilient to Modern Threats seminar. Mihkel announced on his Twitter profile he was looking for an intership and was contacted by Fulbright Finland. “Working for Fulbright Finland has been wonderful. I get to learn from the best and work on different projects that further my future career,” Mihkel says.

“Interning at the Fulbright Finland Foun-

She is particularly interested in organiz-

Every year there are several interns

dation has been an amazing experience.

ing and marketing events. “Out of all the

working at the Fulbright Finland Founda-

During the internship, I have been given

brilliant events that I have helped orga-

tion and their work is highly valued. The

opportunities to gain valuable knowl-

nizing during my internship, Fulbright

interns’ assignments vary from adminis-

edge as well as practical skills which will

Forum was my favorite. The U.S. grantees’

trative support to projects and assisting in

become a huge advantage once I gradu-

presentations really inspired me.”

organizing events.

ate,” says Van Vu. Van came from Vietnam

Inari Ahokas studies Business Admin-

to Finland to study Business Management

istration in Savonia University of Applied

at Laurea University of Applied Sciences.

Sciences. She was on a Study of the U.S.

Apply for an internship at Fulbright Finland

www.fulbright.fi/en/open-positions

FULBRIGHT FINLAND NEWS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Terhi Mölsä EDITORS Maija Kettunen (Managing Editor), Suzanne Louis DESIGN AND LAYOUT Tanja Mitchell, Grafee EDITING OFFICE Fulbright Finland Foundation, Hakaniemenranta 6, FI-00530 Helsinki, FINLAND TEL. +358 44 5535 286 E-MAIL office@fulbright.fi ISSN 2489-2149 (print) ISSN 2489-2157 (online) COVER Maxigloss 200 g/m² PAPER G-Print 115 g/m² PRINT CIRCULATION 700 PRINTED BY Erweko Oy ONLINE www.fulbright.fi/en/fulbright-center/fulbright-center-news Fulbright Finland News on Fulbright Suomi -säätiön sidosryhmälehti, joka ilmestyy kaksi kertaa vuodessa painettuna ja verkkoversiona. Artikkeleissa ilmaistut mielipiteet ovat kirjoittajien omia. Aineisto vapaasti lainattavissa, lähde mainittava. // Fulbright Finland News is a biannual magazine published by the Fulbright Finland Foundation in print and online. Opinions expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Fulbright Finland. Reproduction allowed, source must be cited. // While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material in this publication, Fulbright Finland does not accept liability for any errors or omissions.

EDITORIAL COUNCIL Anitta Etula, Director of International Relations, University of Eastern Finland, Outi Hakanen, Deputy Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Protocol Services, Sirpa Holmström, Head of International Services, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Erika Holt, Principal Research Scientist, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and Ossi V. Lindqvist, Professor Emeritus.

22 | www.fulbright.fi

THE FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION is an independent not-forprofit organization based in Helsinki, Finland. Its purpose is to promote a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States. The Foundation collaborates with a range of government, foundation, university and corporate partners on both sides of the Atlantic to design and manage study and research scholarships, leadership development programs and internationalization services.

The Finland-America Educational Trust Fund The Fulbright Finland Foundation is financially supported by the Finland-America Educational Trust Fund.

Board of Directors Finnish members: Jouni Mölsä Director General of Communications, Department for Communications and Culture, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Chair Jaana Palojärvi Head of International Relations Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture American members: Donna Welton Chargé d’Affaires American Embassy Vice-Chair T.J. Grubisha Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs American Embassy Agent / Säätiön asiamies: Terhi Mölsä Chief Executive Officer Fulbright Finland Foundation

Fulbright Finland Foundation's

Vision

is to empower the minds that will find global solutions to tomorrow’s challenges by fostering academic and professional expertise and excellence in leadership.

Fulbright Finland Foundation Board of Directors Honorary Chair: Ambassador of the United States to Finland Robert Pence Finnish Members: Piia Björn Professor, Special Education University of Eastern Finland Vice-Chair Kirsimarja Blomqvist Professor for Knowledge Management, School of Business and Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology LUT Timo Korkeamäki Professor of Finance Hanken School of Economics

Hannu Seristö Professor, Vice President for External Relations Aalto University American Members: T.J. Grubisha Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs American Embassy Chair Itonde A. Kakoma Programme Director Leadership team Crisis Management Initiative CMI

Ethan Tabor Deputy Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs American Embassy David Yoken Senior Music Lecturer Arts Academy, Turku University of Applied Sciences Ex-officio: Terhi Mölsä Chief Executive Officer Fulbright Finland Foundation

Fulbright Finland Foundation Office Office: 044 5535 286, e-mails: firstname.lastname@fulbright.fi b Pia Arola Johdon assistentti Executive Assistant 044 5535 278 b Emilia Holopainen Ohjelmakoordinaattori Program Coordinator 044 7035 284 b Emmi Jelekäinen Ohjelmakoordinaattori Program Coordinator 044 5535 275

b Maija Kettunen Viestintä- ja tapahtuma­ koordinaattori Communication and Events Coordinator 044 5535 277 b Karoliina Kokko Vastaava ohjelmapäällikkö Senior Program Manager 044 5535 268 b Johanna Lahti (opintovapaalla/on study leave)

b Suzanne Louis Projektikonsultti (osa-aikainen) Project Consultant (part-time) b Mirka McIntire Ohjelmapäällikkö, Koulutus- ja opettajavaihto (osa-aikainen) Manager, Teacher Exchange and Education Programs (part-time) 044 5535 269 b Terhi Mölsä Toimitusjohtaja Chief Executive Officer 050 570 5498

www.fulbright.fi | 23

Fulbright Finland Foundation Hakaniemenranta 6 FI-00530 HELSINKI FINLAND

Calendar

August

May 16.5.

Pre-Departure Orientation and Fulbright Award Ceremony for Finnish Fulbright Finland Grantees 20.5.

2019–2020 Application deadline: ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grants Fulbright-Technology Industries of Finland Grants 29.5.

2019–2020 Application deadline: Fulbright Partnership Award with University of South Florida

1.8.

2019–2020 Application deadline: Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards for Finland 27.–30.8.

Arrival Orientation for U.S. Fulbright Finland Grantees

September

27.9.

Pre-Admission Orientation Fulbright Finland Foundation Board Meeting

29.8.

ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association Welcome Event

October 12.–13.10.

26th American Voices Seminar

June

Join us in Turku to hear about various aspects of American life, culture, history and society through the experiences of the U.S. Fulbright grantees in Finland. The seminar is organized by Fulbright Finland in cooperation with University of Turku North American Studies Program.

July Fulbright Finland Office Closed 2.–13.7.

The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Welcome!

VISIT FINLAND VILLE KANGAS

13.6.

Fulbright Finland Foundation Board Meeting

www.fulbright.fi Ífulbrightfin Úfulbrightfinland Îfulbright finland