A Summer in Research: Students Building Research Instrumentation for a Cleaner Future
Byman and Karvonen worked in the Electron and Ion Spectroscopy Laboratory, where a new molecular beam experimental setup is currently under construction. In the future, the instrument will enable researchers to study catalytic reactions under more realistic conditions than before. Particular attention is being paid to processes related to the hydrogen economy and e-fuel production, in which carbon dioxide and hydrogen are converted into methanol and subsequently into longer-chain hydrocarbons. Such reactions could one day make it possible to utilize carbon dioxide in the production of fuels and chemicals rather than releasing it into the atmosphere.
As these reactions have so far been investigated mainly under vacuum conditions, measurements conducted at atmospheric pressure may provide valuable new insights for the development of industrial processes. Roni Byman, a master's student in electrical engineering, was excited about the opportunity to work in a research environment.
"The opportunity to work in a research environment and apply the skills I had developed during my studies in practice was extremely interesting," says Byman.
During the summer, Byman contributed to the development of systems related to the new experimental setup. He helped design the user interface of a device intended for preparing sample gas mixtures and programmed its functionality. He also participated in equipment maintenance and repair work while deepening his expertise in electronics, instrumentation, and vacuum technology.
"Assembling the experimental setup and preparing it for operation gave me a comprehensive understanding of how much planning, testing, and hands-on work is required to build a new research instrument," Byman explains.
High school student Leo Karvonen joined the research unit following encouragement from his physics teacher. He was particularly interested in seeing what research work looks like in practice. During the summer, Karvonen participated in laboratory equipment maintenance, preparations for the molecular beam apparatus under construction, and various measurement activities. He had the opportunity to observe the production and characterization of nanoparticle powders using electron microscopy and took part in test measurements involving time-of-flight mass spectrometry as part of the development of the new experimental setup.
"Vacuum systems are highly sensitive to pressure differences, and handling the equipment requires concentration," Karvonen notes.
According to Karvonen, one of the most important lessons of the summer was the value of collaboration:
"It was fascinating to see how the same problem can be approached in several different ways when different people contribute their own perspectives."
Both summer employees emphasize the importance of the research unit's staff in making the experience successful. Throughout the summer, they received guidance, support, and opportunities to participate in a wide range of tasks. Their time in the research laboratory strengthened both Byman's and Karvonen's interest in science and research. At the same time, the practical experience provided a concrete insight into the high amount of expertise required to develop new research directions and future technologies.
This summer, a total of nine high school students worked in various positions within the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Technology at the University of Oulu. Their assignments ranged from research laboratory work and laboratory renovation projects to mathematics-related video production. Summer jobs at the university offer young people an opportunity to experience academic life first-hand and can inspire future study and career choices.