Why Kuopio?

A question that may come up is why did I pursue a Fulbright grant in Kuopio, Finland? Kuopio is located in Northern Savonia and has a population of approximately 125,000 inhabitants – making it one of the ten largest cities in Finland. One claim to fame is a local delicacy, Kalakukko, which is a local fish baked inside rye or another bread.  The town has an excellent public transit system and is easy to navigate. Returning was highly desirable since the staff at UEF and Fulbright Finland are wonderful to work with. I highly recommend Finland as a destination for individuals contemplating a Fulbright opportunity in the future!

These attributes make Kuopio interesting, but the main draw for me was the University of Eastern Finland-Kuopio (UEF) which offers a Masters program in General Toxicology. At the time of my first visit they became short handed as a result of several recent faculty retirements (https://www.fulbright.fi/about-us/news-releases/fulbright-saastamoinen-foundation-grant-gave-toxicology-teaching-boost) . Over the course of a year preceding my arrival, we discussed their needs and settled on my developing a new graduate level course on systematic review in toxicology. This course was subsequently adapted as one of our selective courses at the CVM. It also sparked several UEF graduate student research projects that used systematic review methods.

My current visit has me updating the systematic review course (using a hybrid approach), giving a few other lectures and seminars, and developing an online continuing education course for Nordic toxicologists. This course largely focuses on chemical risk assessment. I’ll also be working with one UEF graduate student as he completes his M.S. degree and gives his research seminar later this month.

Another draw is that Finns have a deep respect for nature. An interesting aspect of life here is citizens have the so-called “everyman’s right”that allows them to wander freely in nature without needing permission from the land owner – as long as nature and the property are left undamaged. Harvesting berries and mushrooms is a popular pastime here. Plus they have cute squirrels!

Eurasian magpie, goosander, and Eurasian red squirrel below – note whenever possible I’ll be providing the photographs – the only exception today is the Kalakukko.