Meet the MUSTBE Experts 1/8: Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) is a public, non-profit higher education institution located on the west coast of Finland. With four faculties and a staff of almost 550 professionals, SAMK actively leads collaborations with partners and stakeholders from Europe, Africa, and China, supported by national, Nordic, and EU funding. SAMK has a long and diverse history of participating in and coordinating international projects.
This article series introduces the experts behind the MUSTBE project, starting with Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. We asked the team of three experts to share who they are, what their role in the project is, what they find important or innovative about it, and to offer a glimpse into their life outside of work.
Meri-Maaria Salo
I have a master’s degree in environmental engineering, and my work experience mainly involves working in other research projects and the corporate QHSE field. In the MUSTBE project, I’m the project manager for SAMK. I enjoy getting to deepen my knowledge regarding stormwater treatment and management as well as nature-based solutions for a cleaner Baltic Sea.
What interests me the most in the project is the multi-objective stormwater solutions that combine nature-based solutions with digital and technical solutions. The goal is to improve the efficiency of urban stormwater treatment with solutions that can also be replicated by others facing similar issues: to facilitate this, a manual of solutions will be published later this year.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends as well as exercising. In addition, I’m almost always listening to music, and I enjoy going to live concerts.
Veera Seikkula
I’m studying Biotechnology and Food Engineering at Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) and plan to graduate in December. I have worked in Water Management as a process operator and laboratory assistant. I started here at Maritime Logistics Research Center as a researcher in May, so I’m still learning about working in a research project environment.
I’m working as a researcher in the MUSTBE project. I’ve mainly focused on the orientation, but I’m very excited to start working more actively on the projects.
I find that the most innovative part of the MUSTBE project is combining nature-based stormwater treatment systems and digital monitoring tools.
I relax by going on long bike rides, running, or knitting. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Veera Iisakkala
I hold a Master of Arts in Finnish History with a minor in Environmental Science. I have worked at SAMK for just over three years, focusing primarily on project communications. In the MUSTBE project, I work as a communications expert. My tasks include writing and reviewing articles, graphic design, social media, event planning and handling a range of other communications and marketing activities.
What I find most innovative and important about the MUSTBE project is its use of nature-based solutions that work with the environment and not against it. I find it inspiring that these solutions are designed to fit the local ecosystem and sustainably support climate resilience. It’s exciting to see how creatively this has been done at the pilot sites, whether already implemented or still in development.
I live in the countryside, somewhat far from the city. So, in my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, gaming and hiking. I also love knitting and discovering new yarn stores.
Writers and editors: Veera Iisakkala, Meri-Maaria Salo & Veera Seikkula.
