Meet the Sustainable Flow Experts 1/7: 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 Sustainable Flow project, starting with the project’s Lead Partner, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. We asked the team of six 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.
Mika Lindfors
I hold a Master Mariner degree and have been working on ESL Shipping Ltd’s vessels in various roles since 2003. Most recently, I served as the Master of M/V EIRA, operating in the North Sea trade. However, as of early autumn 2024, I have transitioned to a researcher position at the Maritime Logistics Research Center. In my current role as Lead Project Manager for Sustainable Flow, I believe it’s important to maintain a positive atmosphere within the team. I place great value on meeting people genuinely and creating the best possible conditions for everyone to experience a sense of success in their role.
An innovative and important part of the Sustainable Flow project is that it enables concrete actions to reduce the carbon footprint in our pilot ports. At the same time, we have the opportunity to learn how different ports implement the practical solutions that best suit them within the framework of the project.
I spend most of my free time engaged in competitive and social dancing. If I happen to have any time left, I enjoy spending it at my forest estate.
Natalie Kylliäinen
I have a background in visual and corporate communications. Over the years, I’ve worked in branding, corporate photography, and content creation—helping companies refine their image and communicate more effectively. Currently, I work as a researcher and communications specialist in the Sustainable Flow project, where I started in March 2025.
In this role, I focus on project communications: ensuring visibility, creating content, and reporting. What I enjoy most is collaborating with diverse teams, crafting content, and being part of a project so closely tied to sustainability.
Outside of work, I find balance through photography and cooking. I also love spending time in nature, especially in the archipelago, as it helps me recharge and stay inspired.
Piia Lukkaroinen
I’m a UX/UI designer and I’ve been working at SAMK since May 2024. I’m working as a digital expert in the Sustainable Flow project. I’ve been working as a UX/UI designer for more than a decade, and now I’m finishing my Bachelor’s degree in User Experience and User Interface Design at LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts.
In the Sustainable Flow project, we’re developing an app to reduce the CO2 emissions of seven ports in the Baltic Sea region, and as a digital expert, I’m mainly working with the app development. The great thing about this project is that with the app, we can make the CO2 emissions and the ways to reduce them visible for the ports. I like the international setting of the project and the fact that we are working to combat climate change.
Outside of work, I enjoy dancing, doing yoga, and making various handicrafts, mostly with yarn and fabric. I live in the countryside, so farming is also a part of my life.
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 my role as a researcher for the Sustainable Flow project, I enjoy getting the chance to deepen my knowledge related to renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as learning more about ports and their operations in the maritime logistics chain.
A central part of the Sustainable Flow project is the open-access digital tool, including the decision-making tool. The tool will enable ports to have a better understanding of their current situation regarding their carbon footprint, as well as provide information on how to improve their sustainability. In addition, there’s the guidance tool to provide information on how to increase their renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.
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.
In the Sustainable Flow project, I’m working as a researcher. I’ve mainly focused on the orientation, but I’m very excited to start working more actively on the project.
I believe that the most important aspect of the Sustainable Flow project is the cooperation between all partners. Efficient cooperation plays a key role during the project and will likely continue beyond the project, which is essential for reducing CO2 emissions in the future.
I relax by going on long bike rides, running, or knitting. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Mikko Vettenranta
I’m an electronics and telecommunications engineer, but I haven’t worked in those jobs for even a minute. After graduation, I worked in a maritime engineering office for 12 years and in the shipyard as navigation equipment coordinator for 4 years. I work as a researcher at the Maritime Logistics Research Center in SAMK.
I work as a researcher in the Baltic Sea e-Nav project and as a senior researcher in the Sustainable Flow project. Both projects are really interesting, as I can use what I have done before in my career.
What’s innovative and important in the Sustainable Flow project? I will go with the Decision-Making Tool, where you can calculate what effect you can have on your CO2 emissions if you, for example, install solar panels or change from diesel to biodiesel.
I coach football and also play football and floorball when I have the time. Woodworking is also a hobby, but time for that is really limited, as you have to have time for family too. No problems with what to do with free time.
Writers and editors: Veera Iisakkala, Hanna Kajander, Mika Lindfors, Natalie Kylliäinen, Piia Lukkaroinen, Meri-Maaria Salo, Veera Seikkula & Mikko Vettenranta.
