Introducing JYU.Well Summer Team 2025

JYU.WELL SUMMER TEAM

Meet the JYU.Well Summer Team!

9 interns, 1 mission – to turn wellbeing research into creative, useful micro-content.

This summer, the JYU.Well community is energized by a dynamic team of 9 trainees from diverse academic backgrounds.

Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people, ideas, and results behind wellbeing research. From May to September, our multidisciplinary summer team will be actively working to enhance the visibility and impact of JYU.Well’s work.

We’ll be sharing stories from researchers, organizing events, creating engaging content for social media, and contributing to ongoing projects that promote wellbeing across campus and beyond. Whether it's through videos, interviews, articles, courses, or podcasts, we’re here to help connect the JYU.Well vision with the wider community.

You’ll find us based at Library Lähde second floor — come say hi!

TEAM MEMBERS

Eeva Laitinen

• Your background?

  My name is Eeva. You could call me a studyholic - I have a master's degree in both general educational science and in musicology, and currently I'm doing doctoral studies in Jyväskylä. Trying to learn as much as I can about as many topics as I can!

• What are your strengths and interests related to this work?

  I have a wide range of expertise from different perspectives - education, teaching, music, psychology and health. In this work, I want to combine my pedagogical understanding, strong communication skills and my experience of working on impact-oriented projects to promote well-being.

• How do you take care of your wellbeing?

  I like to exercise, cuddle with my dog, be in nature, meet up with friends, listen to music or just eat treats at the bottom of the sofa. Nothing promotes wellbeing like a long weekend at the cottage with my dog and friends, barbecuing and enjoying the sun!

• What is your favorite Finnish word, and why?

  I don't think many Finns know this word either, but in certain parts of Finland the word for a braided sweet bread (pullapitko) is "ankkastukki".

Chandhi Wijethilake

• Your background?

  I'm a Master’s student in Information Systems, graduating this summer. Moved to Finland from Sri Lanka, two years ago and have since become fascinated by Finnish culture especially the sauna. I speak Sinhala, English, Tamil, and a bit of Finnish, and I’m always open to learning more — linguistically and culturally!

• What are your strengths and interests related to this work?

  I enjoy the process of transforming complex, multidisciplinary information into accessible and meaningful formats, that inform, inspires, and invites action. I am interested in topics that intersect technology, ethics, and well-being.

• How do you take care of your wellbeing?

  Nature is my sanctuary. I love walking. I miss the sea and sound of waves of Sri Lanka, but I’ve found peace in Finnish nature too. A quiet trail, a lakeside bench, or falling snow — nature always restores me!

• What is your favorite Finnish word, and why?

  "Luonto" – It means nature, and it's more than just a place — it’s a feeling, a rhythm, a healer. It's where I find balance and inspiration, and it reminds me of both my homeland and my new home in Finland.

Alina Salomaa

• Your background?

  I'm a journalism student from Jyväskylä. Before my studies here I studied cultural sciences at the University of Gothenburg. I speak Finnish, Swedish, English, French and some Hungarian.

• What are your strengths and interests related to this work?

  Having worked in journalism and communications and being creative and curious are my strengths. Learning new things and telling others about them in an interesting way comes naturally to me. My interest in wellbeing stems from my own experiences as a student trying to make it in a hectic world! I'm especially interested in the cultural and environment-related parts of wellbeing research.

• How do you take care of your wellbeing?

  I try to remember resting, and I take time to enjoy all the fun and pretty things my everyday life has to offer. Arts, spending time with my people, cooking, moving and being in nature are important to me too.

• What is your favorite Finnish word, and why?

  "Vadelma" is cute and seems fitting for the berry, it also feels nice and soft when you say it.

Vertti Lepo

• Your background?

  Hello, it's Vertti here. Born and raised practically in Jyväskylä and currently pursuing a master's degree in business management. After student exchange in Austria, I wish I could say I'm fluent in German. I'm not. On top of that, I speak Finnish, English and a little bit of Swedish.

• What are your strengths and interests related to this work?

  I'm super interested in how our mind and body work together, and how we can create well-being through their collaboration. As a quite practical guy, I'm a creative problem-solver who enjoys developing things and can turn complex theoretical content into understandable form.

• How do you take care of your wellbeing?

  I try to accept the present moment and practice being less hard on myself. Exercise, meditation, breathing exercises and social connections are an important part of my well-being.

• What is your favorite Finnish word, and why?

  "Mestari". Such a casual and multidimensional expression of Champion. Can also be used sarcastically.

Janika Kinnunen

• Your background?

  I'm a Master's degree student in Information System Science, but I have a Bachelor from Health Science field. As a Finn, I speak Finnish, English and Swedish, but also Spanish and a bit of Catalan and French!

• What are your strengths and interests related to this work?

  I have a strong background and interest in health-related topics, and I believe that the work we get to do at JYU Well is truly meaningful. I'm always eager to learn more and grow both professionally and personally.

• How do you take care of your wellbeing?

  I like to wander in the woods with my dog or horse, and do all kind of sports (latest trial was kangoo jumping), but I also really enjoy traveling, chilling with friends, and reading.

• What is your favorite Finnish word, and why?

  "Sielunmaisema" ("soul landscape" or "scenery of the soul") which means a landscape that you always carry in your heart and that brings your mind home.

Ida Kokko

• Your background?

  I’m a master’s student in art history and a graphic designer. I speak Finnish, English, Swedish and a little bit of Italian and French.

• What are your strengths and interests related to this work?

  I’m creative and open to new ideas and concepts. I enjoy working on a variety of projects and adapting information to different formats. I’m especially interested in visual storytelling.

• How do you take care of your wellbeing?

  I enjoy drawing & painting, music and spending time in nature.

• What is your favorite Finnish word, and why?

  One that comes to mind is "päivänkakkara", which means daisy and sounds like a fun, quirky word.  

Joshua Olusoga-Olulana

• Your background?

  I have a strong background in the field of health sciences. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology and have a bachelor's degree in Physiology. I speak Yoruba, English and a little bit of Finnish.

• What are your strengths and interests related to this work?

  My strengths stem from my previous experience in creating educational content by simplifying complex scientific concepts in biology and in the field of health sciences. I combine my skills in animation, video editing and script writing to create easy to understand educational micro-content.

• How do you take care of your wellbeing?

  As a Christian, I love talking to God and spending time with him. This strengthens my wellbeing in all aspects. I also spend time with friends and loved ones and enjoy taking a walk outside, observing nature.

• What is your favorite Finnish word, and why?

  "Nyt!" - it means now, and I like it because it just kinda has a punch to it.

Arna Aimysheva

• Your background?

  Salem (Moi)! My name is Arna, I’m from Kazakhstan, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Brain and Data Science through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree program. I speak Kazakh, Russian, English, and a tiny bit of Spanish. Hopefully, someday I’ll also learn Finnish!

• What are your strengths and interests related to this work?

  I have strong organizational skills and love learning new things — this summer, I’m excited to try podcasting, so stay tuned!

• How do you take care of your wellbeing?

  I believe in balancing intense academic work with activities that recharge me mentally and physically. I enjoy spending time outdoors in Finnish nature, exploring new places, traveling, and trying local foods. I also value connecting with friends and playing games.

• What is your favorite Finnish word, and why?

  “Lohi” — it sounds funny to me, and in Russian, which is my second language, it means “stupid guys.”

Saad Saqib

• Your background?

  I'm a Master’s student in DEICO at JYU.

• What are your strengths and interests related to this work?

  Skilled in storytelling, content creation, and simplifying complex ideas. Passionate about education, wellbeing, and using creativity for impact.

• How do you take care of your wellbeing?

  Walks in nature, coffee breaks, journaling, and engaging in purpose-driven projects keep me balanced and energized.

• Favorite Finnish word?

  "Sisu" – it reflects quiet strength and perseverance, values I try to embody in both work and life.