Honorary doctors in technology 2019

Enrique J. Lavernia is the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of the University of California. For almost three decades, he has cooperated with the Helsinki University of Technology and, later, Aalto University. After completing his doctorate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he began collaborating with Mauri Veistinen, who later went on to found Neorem Magnets Oy. Professor Lavernia maintained a close connection with Professor Emeritus Veikko Lindroos and he has served as doctoral thesis opponent and an evaluator for professorships dealing with materials science several times. Professor Lavernia served as a member of the School of Chemical Engineering’s scientific advisory council in 2012–14. His significant input substantially furthered the council’s efforts to develop the University and especially the field of materials science. Professor Lavernia has always cooperated positively with Aalto University. He has also arranged study trips for our students, for example by hosting the Metal Club in California. Professor Lavernia’s career in science and his efforts to develop the University have both been exceptional.  

Arvo Kokkonen completed his Master’s degree in surveying at the Helsinki University of Technology in 1981. Now, he is the Director General of the National Land Survey of Finland. He has worked actively to develop cooperation between the National Land Survey and the Helsinki University of Technology and, later, Aalto for some 20 years. This cooperation has prompted involvement in many international events. During his tenure at the helm, the National Land Survey and Aalto University have signed a cooperation agreement, established a co-funded professorship and modernised the agreement concerning the Department of Built Environment’s activities. In addition, Arvo Kokkonen has developed navigation-related collaboration with Aalto’s marine technology researchers as well as the National Land Survey’s cooperation with Aalto University’s Metsähovi Radio Observatory.  

Jukka Mäkelä has served as the Mayor of Espoo since 2011. He graduated with a Master’s in engineering from the Helsinki University of Technology in 1992. Aalto University’s School of Engineering named Jukka Mäkelä its Alumnus of the Year 2018. Jukka Mäkelä has been an active participant in the development of Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus, contributing to its growth into a unique, world-class innovation ecosystem. He has played a key role in the decision-making that has led to the western expansion of the Helsinki metro system and Espoo’s current status of being an attractive university city. 

Markku Tilli is the Senior Vice President of Research at Okmetic Oy. He completed a materials science degree (physical metallurgy) at the Helsinki University of Technology  (HUT) in 1974. Up to 1980, he worked at HUT in various research and teaching positions related to crystal growing technologies. In 1981–84, he was in charge of process research and development for the Silicon project, HUT’s pilot silicon wafer manufacturing facility. From 1985, he has worked at Okmetic Oy in various research, development and customer support management functions. He has been involved with microsystems since 1983, when he developed a process to manufacture two-sided polished silicon wafers for micromachined sensors. Since then, he has developed new types of silicon wafers for microsystems, such as special epitaxial wafers as well as SOI wafers. Markku Tilli has supported Aalto University professors from the schools of electrical engineering, science and chemical engineering by suggesting several research topics and by introducing industrial perspectives to the training of doctoral candidates. Markku Tilli is an exceptionally open-minded and internationally networked technology expert, who has not only worked for the benefit of his own company, but shown a willingness to boost overall Finnish technological competence and expertise in his field.