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