Hanna Kähäri, Oura

What have you studied and what influenced this choice back in the day? 

Towards the end of high school I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to study. I was, however, keen to understand how things work, so I applied to study chemistry at the University of Oulu. After graduating I moved into working life and, through a project, got to know Professor Heli Jantunen, who led the Microelectronics Research Unit, and the group’s materials research. The research sounded fascinating, but as I also wanted to understand something about electronics, I first applied—via a special admissions route—to study electrical engineering. After my first year I was already working as a research assistant in Heli’s group, where I went on to complete my Master of Science (Technology) and later a Doctor of Science (Technology).

How did you end up in your current position? 

Although I really enjoyed research, I wanted to try working in industry. After finishing my doctorate I managed to land a role as a materials specialist in base station design at Nokia, where I spent the next eight years. I had already started using the Oura smart ring while at Nokia, and when a materials specialist position opened at Oura, I had the chance to contribute to a product I genuinely value.   

What is the best thing about your job? 

Developing a completely new kind of product brings entirely new problems, ones without ready-made answers. Finding solutions means combining knowledge from different fields and using creativity, and it’s always rewarding when things click. We also have a fantastic team in Oulu, and solving problems together often doesn’t even feel like work. 

What have been the highlights and key lessons of your career? 

In research, the highlights were creating entirely new knowledge and my own doctoral defence. In industry, it’s hugely satisfying to see a product you’ve developed together finally reach the market and to read customers’ stories about how the ring has helped them detect even serious conditions before major symptoms appeared, enabling them to seek treatment in time.

The most important lessons have been the value of collaboration and communication. Complex products aren’t built by one person alone, and smooth communication ensures everyone’s expertise is put to good use.
 

What are your plans and goals in the future? 

Professionally, I want to keep developing my expertise in materials engineering and remain part of the development of a product that matters to me. Beyond work, my aim is simply to live a meaningful life that feels true to me.