From University of Applied Sciences to Doctoral Studies

We are developing professional practice based doctoral studies at Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) together with our RUN European University (RUN-EU) partners. Read about how HAMK alumna Satu Kivimäki became a doctoral student at an Irish university.

Who are you, and what is your study and career path?

I am Satu Kivimäki, and I work as a researcher at HAMK. Currently, I am exploring the possibilities of microalgae in the projects “Domestic Bio-Raw Materials in Health and Wellness Products (Farkos)” and “Biogas and Valuable Components from Industrial Waters (Vesitar).”

I graduated from HAMK in 2016 with a degree in biotechnology and food engineering. In 2019, I completed professional teacher studies at HAMK, and two years later, I got a master’s degree. My background is in commerce as well as the hotel and restaurant industry.

I have always been systematic and meticulous, which helps in research work. My researcher attitude has been noticed at HAMK from the beginning. I did my first internship on a project, and after that, I became a project worker. I made a master’s thesis in article format, and it included three professional journal articles. Encouraged by my supervisor, in the spring of 2023, I applied to an Irish university, which is one of our RUN European University partner institutions (Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, TUS), and started my doctoral studies the same autumn. This autumn, I went on a month-long research exchange to Ireland.

I am doing an article-based dissertation. The first article manuscript is almost finished, I am currently working on the second one, and I will collect data for the third one next year. The mandatory courses in my studies are completed at TUS, and the elective ones are partly from the open university offerings, which I get accredited in Ireland. My goal is to graduate during 2026-2027.

What is your dissertation about, and what do you find particularly meaningful about it?

I study microalgae. My specialty is to examine how industrial by-products can be utilized as growth media for microalgae and what valuable components microalgae can produce and how they can be used, for example, as raw materials in the cosmetics industry.

In our research, we investigate how environmental conditions, such as light intensity, temperature, and light-dark cycles, affect the valuable compounds produced by microalgae. These compounds can include, for example, carotenoid pigments or phenolic compounds. Additionally, we screen which microalgae species grow the best and select the best strains for further cultivations. The selected strains are grown in a photobioreactor before and after the biogas process, after which we analyze their biomass quantity and composition, such as pigments, phenols, fatty acids, and proteins. Finally, we evaluate the possible applications of the biomass, for instance, as raw materials for cosmetics or dietary supplements, as plant bio-stimulants, or as an energy source.

We recycle nutrients by utilizing industrial process waters that would otherwise go to waste or wastewater treatment. This produces economic benefits and is beneficial for the climate.

Who is involved in your dissertation process? And how do companies relate to your research?

I have three supervisors, two from HAMK and one from TUS. I conduct research related to the projects carried out at HAMK, and my research is also funded through them. TUS evaluates and awards my doctoral degree.

I have been involved in projects from the ideation stages. Although my experience with funding applications  still needs to be improved, practicing with experienced colleagues has been extremely valuable.

Companies are involved in the research through the projects. Companies produce the by-products whose utilization as microalgae growth media we study. Some companies are also potential users of the valuable components produced by the algae. With these companies, we explore whether the components produced by the algae could be utilized in their operations, for example, in cosmetics production.

Earlier this autumn, you were on a month-long research exchange in Ireland. What did you do at TUS, and what new things did you learn?

At TUS, I analyzed algae samples that we had cultivated at HAMK. Although we can analyze algae samples with our equipment, TUS’s equipment offers broader analysis possibilities. I got new ideas that we could try in the future. It is important to visit other laboratories and work with new people. It gives insights into both small and big ideas, challenges you, and possibly leads to new innovations.

Although the internet is full of information, there is also a lot of so-called tacit knowledge that you learn by meeting people who do similar research as you. Networks are also beneficial, for instance, so that in the future, I can send samples to TUS without necessarily having to go to Ireland myself.

At TUS, companies often fund doctoral research, meaning that research is done directly to meet the company’s needs, with companies covering about half of the research costs. It was good to see different ways of collaborating with companies as well.

I had the opportunity to share my expertise with TUS colleagues. TUS has strong analytical expertise, and many researchers work on microalgae-related research. During my exchange period, a study on reject water was initiated in TUS’s laboratory. This is a topic in which we have accumulated experience, so I was able to share our research and discuss the topic with TUS colleagues.

Why did you decide to pursue a doctorate? And what advice would you give to others considering a professional doctorate?

I decided to pursue a doctorate because learning new things excites and motivates me. It allows you to gain a deep understanding of your research topic. My supervisor encouraged me to take the doctoral path, and I didn’t need much persuading.

For others considering a professional doctorate, I recommend allowing flexibility in your plans and actions already during the planning stage. Even though it has been easy for me to combine research with work, there has still been a lot to figure out on my own. Once you secure a doctoral position, I advise you to get to know your possible partner institution as early as possible. Meeting people face-to-face makes things much easier to sort out.