Tell us about your background.
I hold a Doctor of Philosophy in Translation Studies from the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), where I specialised in the cognitive description of translation, particularly force dynamics and cognitive retention in literary and audiovisual translation. My academic background is interdisciplinary, spanning translation studies, cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, and digital linguistics. I have also completed master’s degrees in translation and linguistics at UEF, London Metropolitan University, and Heriot-Watt University, focusing on translation technology, audiovisual translation, and multilingual processing.
My research integrates cognitive and computational approaches to translation, including the role of large language models, machine translation, and psycholinguistic methods in translation process research.
In addition to my academic work, I have extensive practical experience as a freelance translator and proofreader, which complements my research on cognitive and digital aspects of translation. I actively participate in international research collaborations, contributing to the advancement of cognitive and computational translation studies.
Which degree did you complete at UEF?
Master of Arts, University of Eastern Finland (Joensuu), MDP in Linguistic Data Sciences (Translation Studies and Translation Technology), 2015–2017 Doctor of Philosophy in Translation Studies, University of Eastern Finland (Joensuu), Doctoral Programme in Social and Cultural Encounters (SCE) 2018–2022
Which subjects did you study?
Translation Studies
Which department, school or institute did you study in?
Philosophical Faculty School of Humanities Foreign Languages and Translation Studies
What made you apply for admission to our university, in the field of your choice?
My decision to apply for admission to UEF’s PhD programme to major in Translation Studies was driven by the university’s strong research focus on cognitive and psycholinguistic aspects of translation, as well as its interdisciplinary approach within the Doctoral Programme in Social and Cultural Encounters (SCE). Having completed my MA in Linguistic Sciences at UEF, I was already familiar with the faculty’s expertise and the university’s supportive research environment.
During my previous studies, I developed a deep interest in cognitive linguistics and translation processes. UEF provided the ideal academic setting to pursue this research, offering access to expert supervision, as well as opportunities to engage in advanced methodological training across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. The programme’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration allowed me to situate my research at the intersection of cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, and translation studies.
Moreover, UEF’s commitment to high-quality doctoral education, including structured training in academic and professional skills, research ethics, and project management, aligned well with my long-term academic goals. This comprehensive training equipped me with the necessary skills to conduct rigorous research while preparing me for a future career in academia and interdisciplinary research.
Is there a single best moment you remember from your time at UEF?
It might be a bit of a cliché, but one of the best moments from my time at UEF was undoubtedly my PhD defence. It was the culmination of years of hard work, and it felt incredibly rewarding to stand there, presenting my research, and receiving the recognition of my supervisors and committee members.
However, it wasn’t without its memorable moments. An anecdote that still makes me smile (although it almost made me cry on that day!) is the collapse of the two-tier defence cake right before I was about to deliver it to the Agora building. The cake was picked up from a local cake shop, and I had high hopes for it as the final touch to the celebration. However, just before I could deliver it, disaster struck. It collapsed completely in the car! Despite the setback, I had to quickly improvise, and it became one of those little moments of chaos that added a layer of humour to an otherwise intense day. It's a funny and unforgettable story that I still share with family, colleagues, and friends.
Then it was the Karonkka evening. It was a wonderful, intimate gathering where my supervisors showed a more emotional and private side of themselves. This shared experience brought us even closer together. We’ve continued to collaborate since then, and that evening left me with a lasting sense of gratitude and connection to them.
How has your career progressed since graduation?
Since completing my PhD at UEF, my career has progressed through a series of research positions and international collaborations. After defending my thesis at the end of 2022, I experienced a five-month period of unemployment, during which I actively applied for funding and academic positions while continuing to develop my research agenda. In mid-2023, I secured postdoctoral researcher transition funding, which allowed me to work as a Project Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) from June to December 2023. This period enabled me to further work on my thesis to publish it as a book and establish key international collaborations.
From January 2024 onward, I have been working as a Grant-Funded Postdoctoral Researcher at UEF, with a 10% employment contract on top of my independent research grant. Concurrently, I hold a Visiting Researcher position at the University of Rijeka, Croatia, supported by a grant from the Finnish Cultural Foundation through the Finnish Foundations’ Post Doc Pool (2024–2025). This position allows me to expand my research network and contribute to interdisciplinary discussions on the topics of my interest.
These roles have provided me with the opportunity to advance my research, present at international conferences, and take on mentoring responsibilities. My career trajectory reflects both perseverance and strategic planning in securing funding and research opportunities, ensuring continued contributions to my field.
How have you taken advantage of what you learned at the university in your professional life?
My academic training has been fundamental to my professional development, equipping me with both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills. The interdisciplinary approach of my doctoral and master’s studies, combining cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, and translation studies, has directly shaped my current research on cognitive aspects of translation. Methodologically, the training in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research has been invaluable, allowing me to design and conduct rigorous studies.
Additionally, courses in academic writing, publishing, and project management have helped me secure funding, disseminate my research internationally, and navigate the demands of an academic career. Beyond research, the transferable skills I developed, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific communication, have played a key role in building my international network, securing grants, and participating in interdisciplinary collaborations.
What is the best thing about your professional life right now?
The best thing about my professional life right now is the independence I have in shaping my research agenda and collaborating internationally. My current positions allow me to focus on topics that genuinely interest me, particularly the cognitive aspects of translation, while also engaging with scholars from different institutions.
Additionally, the flexibility of my grant-funded research enables me to present my work at international conferences and build connections within the academic community. This combination of intellectual freedom, collaboration, and professional growth makes this phase of my career especially fulfilling.
What’s your motto in the world of work?
My motto in the world of work is: "Curiosity drives progress." I believe that a constant desire to explore, learn, and question is essential for advancing both as an individual and as a researcher. By staying curious, I stay open to new ideas, methodologies, and ways of thinking, which enables me to push boundaries in my field and create meaningful, impactful research.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities UEF has provided me, not just academically but also in terms of fostering meaningful relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and mentors. These connections continue to support me as I navigate my postdoctoral research and ongoing projects. My time at UEF has truly shaped my professional identity, and I’m excited to build on this foundation as I continue my academic journey.
