Background
I am originally from Sievi, Finland, and have spent the last eight years in Oulu, in northern Finland. During this time, I completed a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Civil Engineering at the University of Oulu. During my studies and early career, I gained experience in structural design, FEM analysis, and bridge asset management. I have also worked closely with understanding bridge failure mechanisms and degradation processes. Prior to my studies, I worked as a carpenter, which gave me hands-on insight into construction practices.
Motivation
I am currently involved in the ‘DC13 – CODES: Small Data Becoming Big Data’ program, driven by my passion for bridges and my curiosity about real-world structural behavior. Through my work, I have encountered many questions about how bridges perform over time, and I am particularly motivated by the challenge of maintaining them as long as possible without compromising user safety. I am especially interested in how data from sensors, inspections, and as-built documentation can inform both individual bridge management and broader design practices. The idea of transforming real-world data into statistically meaningful knowledge and integrating it into safety frameworks strongly motivates me to deepen my research skills.
I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to rational, data-driven, and sustainable engineering practices. I aim to develop a solid theoretical foundation, master modern probabilistic and analytical methods, and gain the skills necessary to conduct impactful research in bridge safety, maintenance, and reliability.