Blogs

Niklas von Weymarn, Future Biorefinery Program Manager

Niklas von Weymarn graduated as Master of Science in Technology from Helsinki University of Technology in 1999. He is chemical engineer, but focused on processes, in which microbes are applied as the enabling catalysts, i.e. biotechnology or more specifically fermentation processes. As a minor he studied Factor Planning and Industrial Management to strengthen his economical competences. After a short visit at Cultor Technology Centre (now Danisco Innovation) he went back to the university to work on a doctoral degree. He developed a new biotechnology-based process to produce the sweetener mannitol and earned a Doctor of Science degree in 2002.

Pauliina Tukiainen, EffTech Program Manager

My name is Pauliina Tukiainen, and I work as a researcher at KCL with a focus on paper making chemistry and microbiology. I studied organic chemistry at the University of Helsinki and during the summers worked within the paper industry. The forest industry has always interested me and in 2000 was offered an opportunity to write my thesis at KCL. Tutored by Björn Krogerus, I learned about the fines, solutes and colloidal materials in a paper machine. For my thesis, I conducted a survey of the content of the pulp and white water in a paper machine at various process stages. The work included several sample analyses at the mill. Cooperation with the mill and the practical nature of the tasks made the work interesting and an excellent opportunity for hands on research. It was particularly fascinating and fun to work together with KCL's highly competent laboratory staff, who advised and helped me with the analyses.

Juha Lipponen, TuPaKat Project Manager

My name is Juha Lipponen, and I work as a Paper Technology Manager at Metso in Järvenpää with a focus on Coaters and Calenders. I studied in early 90’s at the University of Oulu. The forest industry has always interested me and in 1993 I was offered an opportunity to write my Master’s thesis at Valmet. Tutored by Pekka Koivukunnas, I studied how to increase capacity of calender (a multi-roll “mangle” that is used in finishing paper to a smooth and glossy surface). As a result of my thesis, a new type calender, OptiLoad, was invented by me and Pekka.