Studying nanoscience at JYU has fueled my passion for innovation, provided hands-on experience with advanced technologies and fostered significant personal and academic growth. I’m Thiwangi Rajapaksha from Sri Lanka and I’m studying in the Master’s DegreeProgramme in Nanoscience with a specialization in physics at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥.
After completing my bachelor's degree in material science in 2021, I worked as a graduate teaching assistant at two universities in my home country. During my undergraduate years, my professors’ passion for research sparked my curiosity about nanoscience. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became by how materials behave differently at the nanoscale.
When a senior, studying at the University of Helsinki, recommended Finland for further studies, I researched my options and discovered the Master’s Degree Programme in Nanoscience at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. This programme offered everything I was looking for, combining world-class research with a welcoming student community.
Student life in Jyväskylä: Friendships, safety, and winter adventures
Moving to Jyväskylä was our first experience living abroad, and my husband and I were filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Fortunately, the city turned out to be a perfect fit for us. Jyväskylä is a calm, student-friendly city with everything we need close by, from shops and hospitals to bus and train stations.
We live in the Soihtu student village in Kortepohja, which has all the essentials for student life. It’s more than just a place to stay; I’ve built friendships with students from all over the world, and we regularly enjoy the student village's amenities, like the restaurant, gym, sauna, and social activities.
What’s special about Jyväskylä is the sense of security. I can walk through the city at night without fear, which gives me a level of freedom I’ve never experienced before. Plus, Finland’s winter has been an entirely new adventure, from ice skating on frozen lakes to seeing the northern lights, something I’d only ever dreamed of!
Advanced technologies at the Jyväskylä Nanoscience Centre (NSC)
Nanoscience is incredibly exciting because it allows us to explore the world at a molecular and atomic level, blending physics, chemistry, and biology. The first time I learned that materials like gold can change color at the nanoscale, I was hooked! Since then, I’ve become even more passionate about understanding how nanostructures can lead to new innovations in areas like microelectronics and biomedicine. Luckily, the high-quality education system at University of Jyvaskyla gave me the opportunity to look beyond the horizon.
At the Jyväskylä Nanoscience Centre (NSC), I’ve had the opportunity to work with advanced technologies, such as the Helium Ion Microscope, Scanning Probe Microscopes, etc. I got a nanofabrication clean room training where I can use clean room by myself. Clean room is a place where the nanofabrication is going on. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing practical skills, and it sets me up for a future career in high-tech industries, whether in academia or companies working on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).
The Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ has been a great environment for personal and academic growth. I’ve taken courses that challenge me to think critically and approach problems in innovative ways. One of the most impactful courses was a research training program where I learned to handle advanced equipment and developed my critical thinking skills. I’ve also learned to navigate unexpected challenges calmly, which has greatly boosted my confidence.
Transformative experiences beyond the classroom
Beyond academics, I’ve taken part in extracurricular activities that have helped me grow as a leader and communicator. I’ve worked as a degree tutor, summer school teacher-guided lab sessions, and volunteered at university events like JYU’s Nanoscience Days and European researchers’ night. These experiences have built my interpersonal and presentation skills, making me feel prepared for future professional roles.
My time at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ has been transformative. I’ve grown not only as a researcher but also as a person, learning to handle challenges, improve my skills, and embrace new opportunities. With the combination of advanced research tools, supportive faculty, and a vibrant student community, I feel well-prepared and excited to pursue a future in nanoscience and contribute to innovative technological developments.
Thiwangi Rajapaksha
Nanoscience
Faculty of Mathematics and Science
