MY Camper Paula Hietala: New views open new horizons
19-year-old MY Camper Paula Hietala is an amateur astronomer, who dreams of emission-free chemical production.
Paula is from Porvoo, about 40 kilometres from Helsinki, the capital of Finland. She is studying for the third year in her local Linnankoski high school. Paula has focused her high school studies around chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Paula’s mother teaches chemistry, and it was from her that Paula heard about the Millennium Youth Camp. She thought of the camp as a good opportunity to meet other science-oriented young people from all over the world.
“I hope that MY Camp will provide me with an unique opportunity to change ideas and network. New views open new horizons! Experiences related to science are something I always look forward to.”
Paula is in the Climate Change group of the camp. Her project deals with binding of carbon dioxide by green chemistry using genetically modified algae.
“I selected a simple reaction of soda production as an example how a useful chemical could be produced without emissions. I also reviewed the current important work dealing with algae that can produce hydrogen, and marveled about the possibility to use it in cars to decrease emissions.”
After graduating from high school Paula plans on applying to the University of Helsinki to study chemistry, mathematics or astronomy. A career in research sounds appealing to her, as she would like gain a more in-depth understanding about the world.
“I like logical thinking and observing the details. Science combines theoretical and experimental challenges, which makes it so interesting.”
The interest in science runs in the family; in addition to Paula’s mother’s occupation as a chemistry and mathematics teacher, her father works as an industrial chemist.
Paula is a member of Ursa, the Finnish amateur astronomy association. She likes to observe stars with her telescope during her spare time. Her other interest include reading scientific magazines, listening to traditional Finnish pop music, walking in the countryside with her dog, and cross-country skiing during the winter.
Link: Millennium Youth Camp
Document: Paula´s plan for MY Camp (pdf)
Elisa Lautala works as web editor for University of Helsinki's Faculty of Science. Elisa likes all kinds of cultural events, good books, warm weather, and aqua-jogging.