Jennifer Vosman

Jennifer is studying in the Changing Education Master’s Program at the University of Helsinki. She proudly serves as the Chair of OSA and acts as a student representative. She comes from Luxembourg, where she completed her undergrad in Educational Sciences—the usual track for classroom teachers in Luxembourg.

When she’s not studying, you can usually find her at Sodexo, savoring some delicious food! But she is also a sailor of the seven seas, a ballerina in her own living room, a modern dance enthusiast, a proud scout, a knitting queen, and a skiing aficionado. And did she mention she’s a hobby farmer? Back home, she has some charming chickens—feel free to ask for videos of them! She’s also had the joy of working on a pedagogical farm, fully embracing nature pedagogy.

In short, Jennifer is always up for new adventures. So, if you need a sailing partner, a dance-off challenger, a good listener, or just a cozy knitted sweater, she’s your person!

Damian Karas

Damian Karas joined the Changing Education program as a master’s student in 2023. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Slovakia. His studies focused on Political Science and Education. Currently, he is involved in different activities that aim to support the mental health and well-being of his classmates. Damian expresses his pride in Slovakia in quite a unique way. While he often criticizes many aspects of his home country, he never fails to mention that his colourful socks and some t-shirts are made by Slovak designers 😁 

Lola Rubio Alberca 

Originally from southeastern Spain, Lola is a primary school teacher with a special interest and background in rural schools, community-based, and place-based learning. She currently works part-time at Education Consulting, where she mainly focuses on designing and implementing informal educational content for youth, participating in selection processes, and coordinating projects for Spanish foundations. Her side hustle is being a Study in Finland Ambassador so you will probably see her phone in hand filming content for social media. 

Lola loves traveling and engaging in meaningful conversations. Having lived in five countries, she also enjoys learning languages. 

She has a strong connection to the sea and loves all activities related to it, from diving to sailing, as well as swimming and riding her motorcycle along the coastline. In Finland, she enjoys visiting museums, attending Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, ice skating, crafting, baking sourdough bread, and going on adventures with friends. 

Even with a packed schedule, Lola always tries to make time for new activities and plans. There's always time for lunch at Sodexo, so feel free to reach out to her. 

Záhjar Segarra Concepción 

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Záhjar is an educator who's passionate about special education, history, arts, and spirituality. After finishing her degree in Special Education with emphasis on Specific Learning Disabilities (UPRRP, 2021), she began a graduate certification in Developmental Deficiencies and Early Childhood Development (RCM, 2022). After obtaining her second degree, she desired to deepen her understanding of education by pursuing the Changing Education master's degree from University of Helsinki.  

Within OSA, she works on creating opportunities that bring the CE community together though fun activities, making the most of all that Finland offers such as its wondrous nature and unique winter activities.  

Záhjar has lived in Helsinki since 2023 and frequently takes trips back home to enjoy the pristine beaches and endless sunlight that Puerto Rico offers. Záhjar's favorite hobbies include crocheting, cooking, journaling, reading, painting, and deepening her spiritual practice through asana yoga, pranayama, and meditation!  

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Sanu Goonetilleke

Sanu is the Student Advocate in OSA. She also serves in a (closely related) role as a Student Representative in the Steering Committee for the CE program. At present, her interests in education are focused on organizational learning and educational technologies. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, sauna, music, and thrift shopping. 

Valter Kulomaa 

Valter started in Changing Education in 2023 in the pursuit of switching from a minor to a major in education. With a bachelor's in philosophy from Tampere University, he's interested both in the "why" and "how" in education. His current focus areas include national curricula, agency and wellbeing. 

When Valter is not working on his master's thesis, he is playing tabletop roleplaying games, lifting weights and enjoying the sauna. He's always happy to help, whether you need to know about the latest curriculum reforms or the top 3 public saunas in Helsinki! 

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Gloria De Felice

Gloria is a master’s student in the Changing Education program. She has been living in Finland for over 11 years. Originally from Venice, Italy, Gloria has previously studied Journalism, Social Services, and Early Childhood Education.

Devoted to her studies, her work in early childhood education, and journalism projects, Gloria is also a passionate yoga trainer who enjoys sauna sessions and cold swims in the sea. As a true Venetian, she can’t live without being near the water. She is also a dedicated cinephile and can offer great advice on interesting independent films. With her background in journalism, Gloria is excited to contribute to OSA as Editor-in-Chief.

 

Emma Arnell 

Emma Arnell joined the Changing Education program as a master’s student in 2023. Before coming to Finland, she obtained a Bachelor of Science with a “Global” designation and a minor in Education from McGill University in Canada. She is interested in research on higher education, biomedical science communication, and internationalization. A few fun facts: Emma loves to tap dance and play the flute (usually not at the same time), and she has a talent for spotting four-leaf clovers! 🍀

Nicholas Fung

Nicholas is a first/second-year student in the Changing Education program. He completed his physics and chemistry degree in Hong Kong in 2023. His research interests are comparative education, pedagogy across different cultures, and STEAM education. Besides working or doing serious stuff, he likes to do culinary arts (make food), walk in the country park, visit friends, and swim. The Changing Education program is a place for Nicholas to actualize himself and prepare for a more complicated and uncertain future. He is always open to discussing his passions, hobbies, and life in Finland. He hopes everyone has a successful and fruitful year ahead!