Campus Ambassadors

Fulbright Finland Outreach Ambassadors

Fulbright Finland Outreach Ambassadors are grantees and alumni who enthusiastically share their experiences to help promote the grant programs, advise future applicants, and connect and engage with our current grantees and alumni.

While all Fulbright Finland Foundation grantees and alumni are ambassadors of the program, the ambassadors below are especially eager to be in contact with you. See below a brief biography of each ambassador and how they can help.

The Fulbright Finland Outreach Ambassadors volunteer to promote the Fulbright Finland Foundation programs (develop informational sessions, represent the Fulbright Finland Foundation in study abroad fairs, distribute grant program information at their institution), offer information and advice for future Fulbright Finland applicants, as well as integrate and engage U.S. Fulbright grantees into the university community with future applicants and other Fulbright Finland alumni.

Find below the current Fulbright Finland Outreach Ambassadors and their contact information:

Headshot of Hameed Ahmed
Hameed Ahmed
Associate Head Squash Coach, Harvard University
[email protected]

English
University of Rochester, NY
Fulbright Finland Undergraduate Grant 2007-08, Fulbright Finland Renewal Grant 2009-11

"I'm happy to connect with anyone interested in pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in the U.S.; particularly with prospective student-athletes looking into and curious about college athletics. Anyone who is moving to the Boston area and / or has questions about integrating into the US should also feel free to reach out."

Headshot of Salima Alaoui Abdellaoui Soulaimani
Salima Alaoui Abdellaoui Soulaimani
Business Developer – Wastewater Management Industry
Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing & Communications, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
[email protected]

Environmental Issues
Shippensburg University, PA
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders from Europe 2022-2023

As a Youth Leader who participated in the “SUSI” 2023 program, I am more than happy to assist and provide you with more information regarding this program, my experiences as well as the benefits of becoming a Finland Fulbright Alumni. I am also open to welcoming and giving a Helsinki city tour to new Fulbrighters coming from the U.S!

Picture of Laura Andersson
Laura Andersson
Environmental Policy student, University of Eastern Finland
[email protected]

Environmental Policy
University of South Carolina, SC
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders from Europe on Environmental Issues 2021-2022

"I'm happy to help incoming scholars and students to integrate into Joensuu and answer any questions about living or studying in Finland. If you are applying for the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders from Europe -program or going to Columbia, South Carolina, in general, I'm ready to share my experiences. Feel free to reach out, in person or remotely."

Headshot of Timo Dönsberg
Timo Dönsberg
Senior Researcher, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
[email protected]

Optical Metrology
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), U.S. Department of Commerce, MD
Fulbright-Technology Industries of Finland Grants 2021-22

"I'm happy to help anyone interested in pursuing post-doctoral research in the U.S or in Finland. Please reach out if you have any questions regarding moving, living and integrating in either the U.S. or Finland, especially if you’re moving to Colorado or Helsinki area."

Headshot of Patrik Gayer
Patrik Gayer
Public Policy & Government Relations Lead, Tesla
[email protected]

Public Administration
Harvard University, MA
ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2022-23

"Happy to support anyone wondering about studying in the US, especially at Harvard University. Ask me about the application process, the administrative side of the process, the studies, student life, or anything else. As a now former mid-career student, I'm particularly eager to help other mid-career professionals think about the pros and cons of taking a break from regular life to develop oneself personally and academically!"

Picture of Jenni Halonen
Jenni Halonen
Master's student, University of Eastern Finland
[email protected]

Geography
University of Nevada, Reno, NV
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders from Europe on Environmental Issues 2021-22

"I'm happy to share my experience and answer any questions you have about the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders from Europe -program, University of Nevada, Reno or studying in the United States. Feel free to reach out if you need assistance integrating into Joensuu or Finland in general."

Picture of Riikka Harikkala-Laihinen
Riikka Harikkala-Laihinen
Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Turku
[email protected]

International Business
Florida Atlantic University, FL
Fulbright-KAUTE Foundation Award 2021–2022

I am available for formal presentations and informal chats in Finland and abroad, live or virtual. I’d be happy to engage with incoming and outgoing scholars, helping them to prepare for their visit to Finland or to the U.S. I’d gladly talk about opportunities with Fulbright Finland Foundation as well as the practicalities of academia and living in the U.S. and in Finland.”

Picture of Patrik Haverinen
Patrik Haverinen
Bachelor of Arts Candidate, Yale University, Class of 2025
[email protected]

Global Affairs
Yale College, CT
Fulbright Finland Undergraduate Grant 2021-22
Fulbright Finland Renewal Grant 2022-23

"Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions related to college life in the Ivy League, the undergraduate application process, or anything in between. I'm also more than happy to have a chat about American academics without a native English background, navigating unexpected situations in the U.S., and making the most of your experience beyond the classroom."

Picture of Andreas Holm
Andreas Holm
Postdoctoral Researcher, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Aalto University
[email protected]

Physics / Fusion and Plasma Physics
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CA
Fulbright-KAUTE Foundation Award 2019-20

"I'm happy to engage with incoming or outgoing scholars and students and participate in events on either side of the Atlantic, time zones permitting. Please reach out if you have any questions regarding moving, living, studying, or integrating in either the U.S. or Finland: I’ll be happy to assist remotely or locally!"

Picture of Eino Rautanen
Eino Järnroos
Master of Laws, Columbia Law School
[email protected]

Law
Columbia University, NY
ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant, 2021-22 

I am glad to share my experience and discuss postgraduate degree options in the field of law, formal qualification requirements, ensuing opportunities, and beyond. I am also more than happy to connect with U.S. grantees to Finland, either virtually or in person.

Headshot of Petra Karjalainen
Petra Karjalainen
Student of Social Sciences, University of Turku
[email protected]

Social Sciences
Shippensburg University, PA
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders from Europe on Environmental Issues 2022-2023

"I am more than happy to answer any and all questions about the Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders from Europe -program, assist in the application process or just have a chat (virtually or live) about anything U.S. related! Please feel free to reach out if you’d like some help integrating into Finland or Turku specifically."

Picture of Rosanna Kataja
Rosanna Kataja
Undergraduate Student, Harvard University Class of 2022, pursuing a BA in Economics
[email protected]

Liberal Arts and Sciences
Harvard College, MA
Fulbright Finland Undergraduate Grant 2021-22
Fulbright Finland Renewal Grant 2022-23

"I am excited to answer any of your questions about applying to schools in the US and navigating student life there. Don't hesitate to reach out especially if you are interested in Economics or other social sciences, but I can help you out with the application process no matter which field you are interested in!"

Picture of Iines Kiuru
Iines Kiuru
DMA student, Eastman School of Music
[email protected]

Clarinet Performance
University of Rochester - Eastman School of Music, NY
ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2021-2022

"I look forward to getting to know current and future music students and professionals who are interested in taking part in higher education in the U.S. and Finland. I have experience studying music performance and pedagogy in Finland and the U.S. and I'm eager to share my knowledge with you. Wheter you want to meet in person or invite me to share information over email or video call, I will gladly take up your invite."

Picture of Sanna Kivijärvi
Sanna Kivijärvi
University Lecturer and Post-Doctoral Researcher, Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
[email protected]

Music Education & Education Policy
Columbia University, NY
New York University, NY
ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2019-20

"I am available for presentations and informal meetups regarding doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in the U.S and Finland. I am happy to help U.S. Fulbright scholars to integrate into academic life and living in Finland. Also, please feel free to contact if I can assist you to get settled in New York City."

Picture of Saara Koikkalainen
Saara Koikkalainen
Senior researcher, Karelian Institute, University of Eastern Finland (Joensuu campus)
[email protected]

Sociology
University of California, Davis, CA
Asla-Fulbright Graduate Grant, 2010-11
New York University, NY
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Scholars and Professionals, 2021-22

"I am happy to help incoming Fulbrighters settle in the beautiful town of Joensuu. I can also share my experiences of moving to California as a graduate student with children (2010) or taking part in the 6-week SUSI program in New York City (2022) for outgoing grantees. I am proud and happy to be a member of the global Fulbright family."

Picture of Anna Koivusalo
Anna Koivusalo
Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Helsinki
[email protected]

History / American Studies
University of South Carolina, SC
ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2011-12
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
ASLA-Fulbright Research Grant for a Junior Scholar 2019-20

"I can talk about research opportunities in the U.S. and help Finnish Fulbright scholars/researchers with their questions about living in the U.S., particularly in the South. I can also help American Fulbright scholars to integrate into their host department and living in Finland."

Headshot of Isa Lassinaro
Isa Lassinaro
Undergraduate student in Hawai'i Pacific University, pursuing a Bachelor of Marine Biology, class of 2024
[email protected]

Marine Biology
Hawaii Pacific University, HI
Fulbright Finland Undergraduate Grant 2020-21

"I would love to help with everything related to studying in Hawai'i or in the United States in general. Don't hesitate to reach out, if you are interested in marine biology or studying on a tropical island! I can for example give some tips on the application process, visas, and travel restrictions due to COVID-19."

Picture of Agneetta Moisio
Agneetta Moisio
Business Analyst, McKinsey & Company in the U.S.
[email protected]

Social Sciences
Vanderbilt University, TN
Fulbright Finland Partnership Awards with Vanderbilt University 2018-19

"I am happy to share my 4-year undergraduate journey in Vanderbilt University and advice students aiming to pursue higher education in the U.S.. I am particularly interested in helping students navigate the undergraduate application process, adapting to everyday life in USA or Finland, as well as exploring post-degree career options in USA.”

Picture of Riikamari Muhonen
Riikkamari Muhonen
Assistant professor, American University of Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
[email protected]

History
University of California, Berkeley, CA
ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2019-20

"I am available for webinars or other type of online communication concerning graduate level research stays in the U.S. I am also happy to talk about studying and working in an international environment on a more general level."

Headshot of Maria Peltomäki
Maria Peltomäki
Undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University, pursuing a B.S. in Cognitive Studies, class of 2026
[email protected]

Cognitive Studies
Vanderbilt University TN
Fulbright Finland Partnership Award With Vanderbilt University 2022-2024

"If you're interested in applying to universities in the U.S. or just visiting the country, feel free to reach out! I have received a lot of help from fellow Fulbrighters on my journey, and it would make me so happy if I could pay that kindness forward! So just shoot me a casual email, and I'll try to get back to you asap. There are no stupid questions, and I think it's wonderful that you're exploring your global options!"

Headshot of Jenni Rohrbach
Jenni Rohrbach
Business Owner, self-employed
[email protected]

Human Geography
University of Montana, MT
Fulbright Finland Undergraduate Grant 2002-2003

"I’m always available to Finnish and American Fulbright scholars and students in Montana- “No individual or nation can achieve alone, the connections we make, take us closer to our goals and bring us home, no matter where in the world we are” Looking forward to connecting!"

Picture of Lydia Sagath
Lydia Sagath
PhD Student, University of Helsinki and Folkhälsan Research Center
[email protected]

Human Genetics
University of California, San Diego, CA
ASLA-Fulbright Pre-Doctoral Research Fellows 2019-20

"I’m ready to engage with incoming and outgoing scholars alike - feel free to contact me if you want to discuss any part of the experience or need help navigating the process of integration either in the U.S. or in Finland. I’m available both in person and remotely, for events as well as casual chats, and whatever falls in between."

Picture of Mila Seppälä
Mila Seppälä
Doctoral Researcher at the John Morton Center for North American Studies, University of Turku
[email protected]

History
The University of Texas at Austin, TX
ASLA-Fulbright Pre-Doctoral Research Fellows, 2021-2022

"I’m happy to connect with incoming and outgoing Fulbrighters and help with settling down in Finland/give advice on what it is like to move to the US, particularly to the south. I have experience on doing interviews with people in the US so I can also help with the IRB process and share tips on how to do fieldwork in a foreign country."

Picture of Natalia Särmäkari
Natalia Särmäkari
MA, Doctoral Candidate, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
[email protected]

Fine Arts
Parsons School of Design, NY
ASLA-Fulbright Pre-Doctoral Research Fellows 2019-20

"I would like to help with spreading the information about Fulbright possibilities at my institution and academic network. I would also be happy to advise Fulbrighters who are planning to come to Finland or Finnish Fulbrighters who are planning to go to New York. I'm open to any suggestions from Fulbright Finland on how to help."

Headshot of Pirita Tolvanen
Pirita Tolvanen
Illustrator, Self-employed
[email protected]

Children's Literature and Information Design
Simmons University, MA
ASLA-Fulbright Mid-Career Professional Development Grant 2021-22

"I was a Fulbright Finland’s Mid-Career Professional Development program grantee 2021-2022 at The Center for the Study of Children’s Literature, in Simmons University, Boston, MA. I would love to help around themes linked to my own fields - illustration, information design, graphic design, children's literature - as well as with questions on Mid-Career Professional Development grant. I am more than happy to share experiences in putting together a project as self-employed and finding the right collaborators."

If you are interested in becoming a Fulbright Finland Outreach Ambassador contact Emilia at [email protected].

All Outreach Ambassadors will participate in a webinar training in the fall. Your contact details will be added to the webpage.