Photonics has taken Anni Lehmuskero from Joensuu to Gothenburg, Tromsø and Stockholm and back to Joensuu.
Photonics is the science that studies light and its usage. It also refers to light-based technology that makes many modern devices and systems possible.
Anni Lehmuskero’s journey to the top of photonics began in high school, when she became interested in optics and photonics. Originally interested in astronomy and optics, Lehmuskero ended up studying at the University of Eastern Finland, majoring in physics and minoring in mathematics. In 2010, she obtained her PhD in optics, a significant step towards a career in photonics.
After her PhD, Lehmuskero’s career developed in a diverse and international way. The first stage was in Gothenburg, at Chalmers University of Technology, as a post doc researcher.
I wanted to work as part of a team in a more dynamic environment and be involved in developing products that had value in use, says Lehmuskero.
“I remember looking at job advertisements after my doctorate. On the same day I received an email that they were looking for a researcher for laser tweezer applications at Chalmers and the last date for applications would be tomorrow,” recalls Lehmuskero.
“The subject sounded really interesting, and I responded immediately. I applied, and eventually got the position.”
Even though Sweden is not exactly a faraway country, moving away from Finland was an exciting move for a young researcher, leading to an international and diverse working community.
Via Norway back to Sweden
Post doc positions are typically only for two years, and that was also the case at Chalmers. With time running out, it was time again to think about where to go next.
An interesting topic and location was found at the world’s northernmost university, Tromsø in Norway. They were studying the interaction of algae in fjords with light. The aim was to use the algae to produce fuel and develop lipids to feed fish and humans.
In Tromsø, the environment was again of its own kind. This was reflected, for example, in the fact that some of the university staff arrived at work on harnessed sleds pulled by dogs, and left their dogs in the morning in their designated kennels!
“I will never forget the beautiful nature of Tromsø and the wide range of sports activities it offered. I used to ski to work in winter. The ski trail started almost at my front door and ended right next to the main door of the university,” says Lehmuskero.
But Tromsø was a long way from the family, and the decision to move from research to industry, which had been quietly maturing, prompted the next move: to Stockholm.
“At the time, I felt that an academic career was too much of a solo effort and too much of a struggle to find funding for topics. I wanted to work as part of a team in a more dynamic environment and be involved in developing products that had value in use,” says Lehmuskero.
The opportunity arose when he saw a job advertisement for Profoto.
“I felt lucky to get the job, because at that time many companies in the industry didn’t necessarily know what an academic career entailed, and therefore didn’t necessarily value academic experience,” says Lehmuskero.
Joensuu is a prominent player in the field, and the photonics sector continues to develop both in Finland and internationally.
Back to Joensuu with Entangly
From Profoto, Lehmuskero joined Entangly, an optics consultancy in Stockholm, where she still works as a specialist. Entangly operates like an engineering firm, but with a specific focus on optics. The company has a team of five experts serving a wide range of industries.
As the cherry on top, Entangly decided to open a branch in Joensuu.
“I am involved in optics design, measurements and sales, among other things, and in Joensuu I am leading the development of the newly opened branch,” Lehmuskero tells.
Joensuu has played an important role in Lehmuskero’s work in the field of photonics. The University of Eastern Finland is a key player in the field, and Lehmuskero feels that Joensuu offers an excellent framework for photonics companies.
Photonics studies provide a strong base in mathematics, physics and computing, and offer a wealth of opportunities to influence the future of technology.
“When Entangly decided to expand its operations, Joensuu was chosen as the office location precisely because the city lacked a similar service provider,” Lehmuskero says.
“In addition, the support services provided by the city, such as Business Joensuu, have been key to the smooth operation of the company,” Lehmuskero adds.
In addition to Entangly, Lehmuskero has another bread and butter: a professorship of practice at the University of Eastern Finland, where she is responsible for education in photonics and optical design, and for promoting co-operation between photonics education and the university and companies.
It is the diversity of the work that keeps her motivation high. At Entangly, she is involved in a wide range of tasks, from optics design to business development and marketing. As a professor of practice, she has the opportunity to promote photonics education in Finland and develop co-operation between the university and the business world.
A window on the academic and business world
Joensuu is a prominent player in the field, and the photonics sector continues to develop both in Finland and internationally. Lehmuskero sees quantum optics as an emerging trend that complements the field of photonics, but photonics itself remains a key technological development.
“The European Union is working hard to highlight the importance of photonics and to secure funding, which will only strengthen its position as a field of the future.”
Lehmuskero encourages young people to enter the field of photonics, as it remains one of the most important fields of the future.
“Photonics studies provide a strong base in mathematics, physics and computing, and offer a wealth of opportunities to influence the future of technology. Photonics is becoming increasingly important and now is the time to seize the opportunity!”
This material was produced as part of the activities of the City of Joensuu Innovation Ecosystem Agreement (ERDF), co-funded by the European Union and the city of Joensuu.
