Ramesh Karri had already been working in the field of wood research & development for more than 9 years in his home country India, but the desire to study more led him to Finland and the UEF, where he discovered a whole new world of the multiple uses of wood. The urge to mitigate climate change and his extensive knowledge about wood sciences led him to study biocomposites – and more intriguingly, how to make automobiles using wood.
When Ramesh was googling for international Master’s programmes, his choice of university became ultimately very clear.
–I came across the WMS programme that had gotten very positive reviews. Also, I was looking for a country which has abundant forests and a caring and responsible attitude towards using its natural resources. So the result narrowed down to Finland - besides, the Finnish education system is ranked first in the world, and it is also the happiest country.
However, he continued his online investigations to be 100% sure: he searched for current students from LinkedIn and contacted them directly to hear first-hand experiences. After hearing about their positive experiences on the UEF as well as on Joensuu as a lively campus city with lots of young people, Ramesh’s decision was only UEF.
Prior to applying, Ramesh had completed a Bachelor's degree in chemistry as well as further Postgraduate Diploma studies in mechanical wood industry technology. In addition, he had been working in the fields of plywood and panel products, R&D, training and testing for more than 9 years.
–Luckily, I found Indian Plywood Industries Research & Training Institute (IPIRTI) to learn about wood composites, because that moment turned my focus towards wood for good. In the end, I decided that I wanted to learn even more, so the opportunity to study in Finland with a scholarship turned another new leaf in my life.
Broadening knowledge
During his extensive study and work experience in India, Ramesh had mostly been focused on how to build things from wood.
–Here at UEF I came to realise that we can make almost anything from wood: Bio oils, Bio chemicals, even fabrics. It is just incredible, a whole new, innovative level of wood expertise that I got to learn from. Everything about the study content has been up-to-date and new.
Ramesh also finds the Finnish university system very comfortable to study in.
The Finnish study system is the best!
–We learn through presentations, group discussions and such, not just exams, and I feel less burdened. I have not met the kind of people like our UEF professors and lecturers in my life! We get all the possible support from them, and they are on top of global trends. For them, it’s not about passing or failing a student, but it’s about pushing the students to take responsibility for their learning.
Even though Ramesh comes from the populous country India, settling into more sparsely-populated Finland felt very natural.
–I’m Indian but I feel like I’m more Finnish. I like less people and enjoy nature, so I’m really happy that I came to Joensuu. If I had to come up with something to complain about, it’s that there could be even more vegetarian options foodwise, Ramesh laughs.
Also the practicalities in life are in order.
–Joensuu Elli offers nice housing, and you can find everything you need in the walkable city center. I also love cycling here: the bike paths are excellent and it’s a great way to keep the city clean from pollution. The nature here is amazing - just go and see Koli national park, for instance! There are also nice local examples about the use of wood, such as Finland’s tallest wooden building.
Automobiles – from wood composites
Ramesh’s attraction to wood was sparked already very young - while living surrounded by plywood mills and hearing about his father’s work experience as a hot press supervisor in the industry. This attraction has gotten him far.
–So far, my journey has been very exciting and promising. When I started my studies at UEF, I was just thinking of getting the degree and continuing my career. But once I have made friends with people from different countries and gained more knowledge, I have come to realise new opportunities for my future. My future goal is to obtain a Doctoral degree in Wood Science and establish my own wood industry.
This goal is getting closer and closer, as Ramesh has already finished most of his courses and is now focusing on his thesis about the potential of reinforcing bio composites and future work aimed at large applications in automobiles.
–If you think about modern cars, their lifespan is typically not longer than 10–15 years. Still we are using metals such as aluminium and steel that could last for hundreds of years. Wood is durable and if you treat and maintain it properly, it can last long, so why not use a greener option instead?
Through his knowledge, he could contribute to increasing the use of wood in the automotive industry - so essentially contributing towards a greener future.
–I feel that it’s my duty to mitigate climate change with my knowledge. I have experienced climate change and I am upset with the ignorance of many people. I believe that Finland is among the top countries who are constantly searching for new, green innovations, so I definitely value that I learn from the best in the world.
