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Back in high school, Mikko Manninen was not yet sure which direction he wanted to take. He was interested in science in general, and chemistry in particular began to fascinate him as it helped him understand why things happen the way they do.

The restaurant industry was also a serious career option for a long time. Mikko’s father and older brother are both chefs, and he himself has worked in restaurants for several years as a waiter. The job has taught him a lot, such as time management, work ethic, and how to work with people.

His chemistry studies at Aalto University have since proven that he made the right choice. Especially during his Master’s studies, he feels he has found his field through the Biotechnology major.

'Biotechnology combines my two main interests – food and microbes. What fascinates me most in my studies is understanding how metabolism and energy production work within cells', Mikko says. 

One of Mikko’s favorite courses has been Industrial Biotechnology and its laboratory work, which focused on bioreactor operation, cell growth conditions, and growth analysis.

'In the lab course, we got to work with a 200-litre reactor and produce a sweetener using bacteria. It was great to see how cell cultivation works in practice.'

A dream job alongside studies

Since the first autumn of his Master’s studies, Mikko has been working at Solar Foods. The company develops and manufactures a raw material called solein, which can be used, for example, as a protein powder or as a substitute for eggs and dairy products in food products.

Mikko started as a part-time employee at the company's pilot plant, where he took samples, prepared growth media and operated a dryer. During his summer job, he moved to the control room of a large production plant to operate processes.

'Combining studies and work has been very rewarding. The studies have given me a strong theoretical foundation, but the practical work has helped me understand how things really work. My colleagues have taught me a lot, and you learn the most by doing.'

Mikko’s Master’s studies are already nearing completion. He finished his last courses in the autumn of his second Master’s year and has since started working on his Master’s thesis as part of a development project at . The work involves testing growth media, freeze-drying cells, and conducting gas measurements.

'It's great to be able to do my Master's thesis at a company where I've really enjoyed working and learned so much. For me, this is a good example of how an open application submitted to a company can lead to great opportunities.'

Studies in leadership alongside chemistry

Mikko credits the good rhythm and clear structure of his Biotechnology major for his smooth and systematic progress in his Master's studies.

'The studies progressed logically, and the workload has been reasonable, usually three or four courses at a time. Within the major, there are also several different focus areas, allowing you to create a combination of courses that best fits your own interests.'

Mikko completed his minor studies at the School of Business. He wants to understand how businesses are run, and these skills could also be useful if he one day joins a startup or starts his own company.

'The courses, such as the basics of economics, have helped me better understand economic news and the logic of business operations.'

Student life in Otaniemi has been fun and communal in Mikko’s opinion. He found the orientation week of the Bachelor’s phase particularly important, as it was when he met many new friends. 'I threw myself into it more than I usually do, and it was worth it. We formed a group of about ten friends, and we’re still very close today.'

After graduation, Mikko wants to continue working and gain more practical experience. Doctoral studies are not in his immediate plans, but he does not rule them out in the future. 'First, I want to work and see how biotechnology expertise can be applied in practice.'

Text: Marjukka Puolakka