News

Master's studies inspired a career in research

Minerva Huovari wanted to combine chemical engineering and new energy solutions, so she chose the Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions - Industrial Energy Processes and Sustainability.
student Minerva Huovari
Image: Minerva Huovari

What did you study and why?

I just graduated from the Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions - Industrial Energy Processes and Sustainability at the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering. The studies covered several new energy solutions, thermodynamics, and process technology. I chose this master's programme because I was particularly interested in combining chemical and energy technologies.

What is studying at Aalto University like?

The courses are extremely versatile. In certain courses, you read books and take an exam, while other courses involve teamwork or a project. There are a variety of courses: in addition to technology courses, students can also study languages, arts, or economics, for example.

The most memorable for me have been the teamwork courses, as they allowed me to seek solutions together with others and learn during the project. For example, in the introductory course, we read various articles related to new energy solutions and prepared presentations based on them.

For me, working on the master's thesis was the best part of my studies. I did my thesis in a research group at Aalto and studied the separation of gases using simulation. The thesis also influenced my decision to apply for doctoral studies at Aalto.

What aspects of your studies have been particularly useful for working life?

My teamwork and project work skills have developed considerably. Working life courses also provided concrete tips for job seeking. We had company evenings and summer job events, where we were able to meet potential employers. Certain courses also include cooperation projects with companies. During my studies, I worked a couple of summers in research groups and a few summers in the industry.

What plans do you have for the future?

After graduation, I started as a research assistant in the Mineral Processing and Recycling research group, and I just received the right to study for doctoral studies. In my doctoral dissertation, I study the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. The topic is interesting, because batteries are a growing trend, and their number is increasing, yet the recycling processes are still not good enough. If we do not solve the problem, we will run out of materials.

I hope that, in the future, I can work on research, either at the university or at a company. Master's studies can also be used as a basis for a research career, when you can familiarise yourself with a topic of your interest and select laboratory courses, for instance. If you want to become a researcher, a good starting point is to do your master's thesis for a research group.

What tips would you give to those starting their master's studies?

Many people have doubts about studying in English, but you should not be afraid of it! Once the studies start, you won't even notice it. You don't have to be perfectly fluent in English, basic skills are enough. It is also a good idea to examine Aalto's wide course selection, and build a path that suits you. And don’t forget about your own free time, go to student events, or do things that interest you.

Read more about the Master's Programme

Two students in the battery lab

Industrial Energy Processes - Advanced Energy Solutions, Master of Science (Technology)

Interested in a career in energy for our society? Want to be involved in the development of industrial energy solutions of the future? The Master’s Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions may be the perfect match for you.

The Industrial Energy Processes and Sustainability major gives students a basic and advanced understanding of the industrial energy processes, outlines the main challenges energy solutions in industry are facing today, and introduces possible ways towards a sustainable future.

Study options
Study CHEM

Change the world - Study Chemical Engineering (external link)

Come and study a field with excellent employment opportunities

  • Published:
  • Updated:

Read more news

Lennart Engels, Karolin Kull, Ágnes László, Julia Postrzech and Valenti Soler won the Habitare Design competition 2023.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art, Studies, University Published:

Team of Interior Architect and Contemporary Design students won the Habitare Design competition 2023

The Habitare Design Competition is intended for students studying art, design, and architecture in Finland. This year ‘s theme of the competition was “Tools for togetherness”, which required the teams to design and implement new types of tools to promote togetherness and interaction on a human scale or more widely.
ITP-opiskelijoita kesällä 2020. Kuva: Petri Anttila
Studies Published:

ITP belongs to the Aalto University’s summer

Once again in summer 2023, students in the Information Technology Program solved a variety of business challenges
Pärttyli Rinne, photo by Nora Rinne
University Published:

Pärttyli Rinne: My work is both internally rewarding and economically fragile

'Academics without a permanent post experience uncertainty and stress, mainly related to financial fragility. It is not just my experience.'
The types of love form a gradient in intensity and in how widely they're felt throughough the body. Image: Philosophical Psychology, https://doi.org/10.1080/09515089.2023.2252464.
Press releases Published:

Where do we feel love?

New research sheds light on where and how we feel different kinds of love