Taneli Kalvas
Staff Scientist Taneli Kalvas from the Department of Physics feels that science is inspiring. Nothing is more inspiring and motivating than being able to discuss about the accelerator physics at conferences with experts who are just as enthusiastic about the field as he is. Kalvas is responsible for the technical operations and safety of the Accelerator Laboratory. In his work, he ensures that particle accelerators, ion sources, and ion beam transport aims are working perfectly enabling high-level physics research.
My school teacher inspired my passion for physics. I studied in a high school at Tampere in the natural sciences programme. I completed my high school physics studies by taking basic studies in physics at the University of Jyväskylä. This meant that I did not have to take any physics courses in high school. I had visited the Department of Physics several times for doing laboratory work. It was easy to continue physics studies at the University of Jyväskylä because the Department was already familiar.
I have been here since 2000. After graduating with a Master of Science, I spent a few years in California, United States, doing postgraduate studies, which I completed at the University of Jyväskylä in 2013. My career continued naturally at the University of Jyväskylä working on topics related to particle accelerator based physics.
Conductor of the Accelerator Laboratory
I work as a staff scientist at the Department of Physics, as well as the technical director and safety specialist of the Accelerator Laboratory. I ensure that the research infrastructure of the Accelerator Laboratory is in good condition and the devices enabling accelerator based physics research are properly tuned. So that the research flows smoothly, it is very important that particle accelerators, ion sources, and ion beam transport aims are working perfectly. In addition, I develop new devices, lead the technical team at the accelerator laboratory, and do research in the field of particle accelerator based physics.
My work is very versatile, and I have to deal with unexpected situations every week. The devices in the accelerator laboratory can fail, and these failures must be repaired immediately.
The importance of collaboration cannot be overstated
The highlight of my job is the work community. I can work with experts from different fields: students, technical staff, and scientists. Playing with devices is great fun, but the heart of the job is working with people. By working together and cooperating, we not only have a great time at work, but we also achieve our goals.
Creating safety
Improving safety at work also plays a big role in my job. I develop the facility's safety culture by training staff and visitors, updating and renewing emergency plans, and making the accelerator laboratory as safe a place as possible for research.
I have been learning about corporate safety practices through various training courses. For example, I have participated in safety training courses organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a safety seminar organized by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. It is important to know how safety is seen outside the University of Jyväskylä so that we can train engineers to meet the requirements of working life and society. I am also participating in the development of the Master of Science in Technology in safety and risk management and will be partly responsible for teaching safety to future engineers.
The waterways of Jyväskylä are charming
Jyväskylä is a suitably sized city without the hustle and bustle of a big city. I appreciate getting around the city by bike. The lakes, especially Lake Päijänne, are also important in Jyväskylä, because I love sailing with my family.
