Story behind the research: meet Anne Ruotsalainen, Exploring the Nexus of Education, Nutrition, and Economic Development.

Driven by a passion for children's rights and sustainable development, Anne, our new DocNet member, shares her doctoral research journey focusing on school meal programs in Malawi. Through her research, she aspires to shape policies benefiting children and communities while finding inspiration in nature.

Hello! I'm Anne Ruotsalainen, a 40-year-old nutrition and occupational therapist hailing from Kuopio, Finland. Recently embarking on my doctoral journey at the University of Eastern Finland, my research focuses on the correlation between school meals and attendance, alongside their impact on local agriculture and small-scale farmers' food production in Malawi.

A research journey full of inspiration and commitment.

Driven by passion and dedication, my journey is fueled by an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, be it savoring delectable cuisine or admiring picturesque landscapes. Advocating for children's rights, educational equity, and animal welfare are important values to me, and to which I am passionately committed. As a result, I'm often described as a "world improver" or "do-gooder."

Having dedicated years to clinical patient care, my shift towards research was spurred by a desire to effect change on a broader scale, aligning with my values of equality and combating malnutrition in developing countries. Research offers me the opportunity for varied work and greater impact compared to traditional therapy roles. This is how I ended up becoming a researcher, because I wanted to have a greater impact on issues on a larger scale than “just” patient care. I also find myself getting bored quickly if my work involves the same type of tasks year after year.

Exploring the nexus of education, nutrition, and economic development is at the core of my interests. Delving into how school meal programs influence attendance and local economies in Malawi captivates me, particularly in terms of fostering better opportunities for girls and rural communities in developing countries. The concept of enhancing local food production within school meal programs to diminish food dependency truly inspires me.

My fascination with Sub-Saharan Africa dates back to 2006 when I volunteered in Zambia. Thus, selecting a low-income African country for my research was a natural choice. Through this endeavor, I aspire to address pressing issues surrounding education access, food security, and economic sustainability, offering insights to shape policies benefiting children and communities in Malawi and beyond.

Nature and wildlife inspire me.

In my leisure time, I retreat to my family's summer cottage in Eastern Finland, indulging in fishing, sauna, hiking, and growing vegetables in our garden. Passionate about travel, particularly to warmer climates, I escape Finland's cold winters to tropical destinations, embracing my role as a yoga teacher to maintain balance and well-being.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and personal growth, I find solace and inspiration in nature, often seeking refuge in forest walks to recharge and reflect. Walking in the forest is meditative and deeply inspiring to me because it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature, I find peace and clarity of mind and recharge my batteries. I stronly believe that the best decisions for personal thoughts and problems are found in nature.

Lifestyle influence from and by research.

Guided by green values, I advocate for sustainable living and actively engage with UN-affiliated organizations striving for global child welfare and environmental preservation. For my doctoral research, I will embark on fieldwork in Malawi, and I anticipate immersing myself in the local culture, gathering insights from farmers and schools firsthand.

Committed to fostering international collaboration, I eagerly participate in research networks, webinars, and training sessions focused on sustainable development and food security, envisioning a future of impactful research and positive change.

Thank you, Anne, for this inspiring story behind the research, and for allowing us to be part of this wonderful journey. We wish you joy during your fieldwork and a successful career ahead.

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Photo credits: Ray Aucott, 2018 on UnSplash.