Felix Epp, a postdoctoral researcher at Aalto University’s Department of Design and the Social Computing Group at the University of Helsinki, stands at the forefront of exploring the complex dynamics between humans and technology. He is also devoted to not just advancing his own career but also supporting his peers.
With a deep-seated interest in design and society, Epp is committed to unpacking the nuances of human-computer interaction and the societal implications of our digital age.
– I’m affiliated with both Aalto University and the University of Helsinki and am currently transitioning from a project on Future Studies methods into grant-based work supported by the Kone Foundation. There, I will delve deeper into the intersection of computer science and sociology through the lens of imaginaries, values, and ideologies.
Epp’s academic journey began close to Frankfurt, Germany, where his curiosity led him to study digital media and interaction design at the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. His master’s thesis started a quest to understand the deeper aspects of technology’s role in our lives.
– This eventually steered me towards doctoral studies in Finland, as I was intrigued by the Nordic interdisciplinary approach to the field.
The complexity and duplexity of the doctoral phase
Upon arriving in Finland from Germany, the allure of nature and the distinct cultural landscape of academic communication presented both a refreshing change and a challenge, pushing him to adapt and actively foster social interactions within his educational environment.
– I learned to be proactive while changing from the Department of Computer Science to the Department of Design at Aalto University. You must acknowledge Finnish academia’s cultural nuances: if you want to be social, you must take initiative.
“The union’s role in providing a support system cannot be overstated, particularly in the sometimes isolating world of academia.”
Epp’s experiences underscore the complexities of academic life. His journey as a doctoral student was not without its challenges.
– Issues ranged from navigating the dual identity of being both a student and a worker to dealing with the changes in advisors, and also the hierarchical structures within the university.
Fostering a supportive academic environment
With its non-hierarchical ethos, the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (FUURT) became a pivotal part of Epp’s support system, offering guidance and assistance amidst the challenges of doctoral studies and beyond.
– My personal experiences with the union’s shop stewards highlight the essential role that such organizations play in the academic ecosystem.
Looking forward, Epp sees FUURT as a crucial independent body, especially for international students and workers who navigate the complexities of academic life far from home.
– The union’s role in providing a support system cannot be overstated, particularly in the sometimes isolating world of academia. In my opinion, protecting those who work in research is invaluable for safeguarding the integrity and future of scientific inquiry.
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We are offering all new members their first month of membership free of charge. If you join the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (FUURT) during the period 1 September–31 December 2024, you will get your first month free. All you need to do is fill out a membership application during the aforementioned time period and you will automatically receive your first month free of charge!
Campaign terms: The campaign is valid 1 September–31 December 2024. The free month of membership is the calendar month in which the membership application is submitted to the Union. The membership fee will then be charged for payment normally from the first day of the following calendar month. Read more about FUURT’s membership fees here. To ask more about joining, membership, and the campaign, please contact our member services.