Students from Finland Enhance Their Educational Experience While Visiting UC

In mid-August, 14 students and their professor, Esko Niemi, from the Manufacturing Technology Club at Aalto University, Finland, visited the University of Cincinnati as well as manufacturing companies in the Midwest. The group consisted of students in their final years of studies working on their master’s degree in production technology and industrial economy. The program has an excellent reputation with an abundance of alumni in corporate leadership positions.

UC and Aalto University share a powerful commonality in experiential learning. Both universities are focused on extending learning beyond the classroom, providing students with an enhanced educational experience.

The visit to the United States forms a student-driven learning opportunity. Students planned and coordinated their excursions, visiting two Cincinnati manufacturing companies, Mazak Corporation and Intelligrated. 

Patrik Lehtiö, student at Aalto University and member of the Manufacturing Technology Club, reflected on his visit to the Midwest and having the opportunity to learn about micro and nano machinery from industry professionals. “Learning about them now will help us see where manufacturing will go. I believe visiting Cincinnati gave us vital information for future!”

Established in 2010, Aalto University was created by a merger of Finland’s premier business, engineering, and design universities. The university holds many similarities to UC’s co-op cluster. Aalto University recognizes the importance of experiential learning, providing students with top-quality research opportunities and interdisciplinary collaboration between faculty, corporations and students. Their Diploma Work's constitutes experiences that surpass traditional educational boundaries. 

The group’s visit to UC included an inside look at the Division of Professional Practice & Experiential Learning (ProPEL) given by Professor Kettil Cedercreutz, and a tour of the campus (hosted by Professor Alex Christoforidis). Students also had the opportunity to experience the College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS) nano lab with CEAS Research Associate Zhangzhang Yin and the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) rapid prototyping lab with Scott Lincoln, manager of the Rapid Prototyping Lab.