Alexander Henn is a FinnCERES alumnus who completed his thesis on lignin nanoparticles in Monika Österbergs group at Aalto University. Since January, Alexander has transitioned from academia to an innovative startup called Boreal Bioproducts.
"Moving from the University to a startup has been smooth sailing. The culture of innovation and flexibility has been basically the same," he stated.
In his new position, Alexander is employing novel methods to address the challenges of using lignin, particularly focusing on making it more compatible with other materials. The goal is to make lignin more homogeneous, enabling its use in both water-based products and hydrophobic materials. Alexander is working with sulfur-free lignin, which is more native-like than Kraft lignin.
"What is strikingly different about working with our lignin at Boreal Bioproducts is that it smells good, like a spruce forest," he noted.
Boreal Bioproducts specializes in producing, tailoring, and valorizing hemicellulose and lignin for various applications, using raw material that is a byproduct from sawmills.
"Having done my PhD has truly given me all the tools I need for the work I'm currently doing. So, whether you aim for a career in academia or want to move to the private sector, doing a PhD is highly beneficial," Alexander added.
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