Tommi Mikkola, University Lecturer

'I am a “veteran” in the Aalto community: I was a summer trainee at the Ship Laboratory of Helsinki University of Technology first, then became a postdoctoral researcher and currently I am a university lecturer in fluid mechanics.

My work has a very strong emphasis on teaching. My main goal is to develop the teaching of fluid mechanics systematically into an inspiring experience, in which students are challenged, but also given enough support. I applied for my current position because I have noticed that my strengths are specifically related to teaching. The position also provided an excellent opportunity to contribute to the teaching of fluid mechanics from the very beginning of the studies.

I particularly enjoy situations in which I can genuinely interact with students. I have especially liked leading the tutoring sessions on basic fluid mechanics courses. They have given me a chance to see in reality how students approach assignments, work on them together, gain insight and learn from their mistakes.'