My UEA Story: Sirkku Juhola
Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
I was supported by the School of Global Development to begin my PhD, which explored the relationship between the environment and society, after completing my MSc degree in 2003. During my PhD, I was surrounded by engaged faculty members from many disciplinary backgrounds and bright and enthusiastic PhD students who shared a passion for research. This exposure enabled me to pursue a career in a multidisciplinary research environment, and so far I have been lucky enough to work in departments ranging from social and public policy, urban planning, geography to environmental science in four different countries.
Training students whilst stressing the importance of linking science with policy has always been important in DEV, and these skills support me in one of my current tasks as a scientific advisor to the Finnish government on climate policy.
However, without hesitation I can say that the best part about being a DEV alumnus is the lasting relationships from my time at UEA, both academic and personal, that continue to flourish almost a decade later.