I studied in the School of Chemical Engineering during 2014-2019, majoring in Bio- and chemical technology in my bachelor’s studies, and later in my master’s studies in Biomass refining. The reason for applying to CHEM back in 2014 was that I’d always been fascinated by natural sciences and especially chemistry with all its different fields seemed like something I could imagine working with in the future.

Early on in my studies I realised that the forest products industry is the one that I’m most interested in, and the different courses provided me with vast amounts of knowledge related to the field, not to mention other important skills such as problem-solving and co-operation. Near my graduation I was appointed as a process engineer at Valmet’s Fiber Technology Center, where I participate in the R&D of products and processes via pilot trials.

My best friend started her studies at Aalto in 2018. Since then, I  always know this is a place for me, and after my first year, the decision is more certain than ever before. I learned so much in only one year at Aalto, even more than 19 years of living combined. This is the place where I can not only expand my knowledge but also life experiences.

Although the current eco-products are biodegradable, the production process is energy-consuming and sometimes laborious. That leaves rooms to optimize the production of sustainable materials. The Bachelor program equips necessary tools and transferable skills for students to work towards a sustainable world. During my first year, I learned not only Chemistry or Biology but also Programming and Statistics. One of my favorite courses is Biopolymers where I was introduced to the undiscovered world of natural polymers. Furthermore, Aalto also encourages multidisciplinary studies. That motivates me to join CHEMARTS summer school this year to experiment with bio-based materials and to develop a product from both a designer’s and a scientist’s perspectives. I am working with Sonja Dallyn, a design student from Aalto, and we choose the birch polypore from the beautiful Finnish forest as the main material for our project. Now my hobby includes finding polypore whenever I am at the forest. During the past 2 months, I attempt to extract chitin – the second most abundant polymer in nature- from the polypore and create a hydrophobic coating layer from chitin for our final product. Working with a designer, I am always amazed by how innovative and perceptive Sonja is and realize an important role of a designer is to close the gap between a scientist and a consumer. This is a unique experience for me to work in a multidisciplinary team that Aalto provides.

I am always inspired by nature. Born and raised in Saigon, I only had a small pocket of awesome places for my nature. But in Finland, it is like a dream come true: I am surrounded by nature. Can you imagine that my way to school is to pass through an enchanted forest by the seaside? There were a lot of challenges when I first moved to Finland such as homesickness and cultural differences, but I believe these difficulties enable me to step out of my comfort zone and grow as a person. The association also organized lots of events for its members to know each other. My favorite event was Korkeakoulusitsit – CHEMble. The dress code colors were based on the colors of 4 guilds from the School of Chemical Engineering: red, blue, yellow, and green, and all CHEM students from around the world attended. During the Sitsit, I experienced the unique Finnish Teekkari culture while talking to friends from diverse backgrounds.

To me, Aalto is  “more than the degree”. If you want a place where you can deepen your knowledge, create meaningful connections, and develop your personality, Aalto is a place to be! (Plus, there is a sea near Aalto, if you are a sea-person like me: D)

With a quarter of my life spent abroad and using English as the main academic language even in Finland (IB highschool),  pursuing my studies in English has always been the number one priority. As Aalto University launched its chemical engineering program in English I decided to apply due to my interest in biotechnology. Compared to “kemian tekniikka” the English-speaking chemical engineering students are not required to major in a specific area of chemical engineering. Our studies compose of arguably the most significant parts and pieces of chemical engineering rendering us to “jack of all trades, master of none.” However, this allows us to receive a stronger emphasis on programming and mathematics as a part of our base degree. Chemical engineers are a relatively compact group of students, which creates interactive lectures with the professors and most importantly strong bonds with your peers.