Productivity Peak

The Finnish summer is here (supposedly). I am also supposed to be on a holiday. However, writing and publishing is going too well for me to miss the ride! I am happy to report that the first of my dissertation articles (1/4) is out: 

Virtanen, I. A. & Isotalus, P. (2011). The essence of social support in interpersonal communication. Empedocles: European Journal for the Philosophy of Communication, 3 (1), 25-42. 

The papers 2/4 and 3/4 are submitted as well and the 4/4 is a well and fast growing baby. 

I begin working as a university lecturer in August 2012 for the rest of the year and I am very much looking forward to it: Teaching and giving support to students (getting them to graduate too!) is something I enjoy a great deal.

Wishing you the best of adventures for July and August!

Increasing Curiosity

The year 2012 began in an amazing fashion! I got to show Finland to a fellow Fulbrighter and explore places of my home city that I would not otherwise have visited. The spirit of curiosity is thus established as the theme for this year!

Currently I am busy with teaching various courses: In addition to giving lectures to speech communication students I teach pharmacists and forest economists. I am new to these fields but thoroughly enjoy the challenge. I also get to give my first conprehensive course on social support and supportive communication this spring, which I am thrilled about. ICA is in the plans too so I am hoping to see you there, 'old' and new friends!

Takaisin Suomeen/Back to Finland!

My term as a Visiting Fulbright Student Researcher came to an end in July 2011. I have great memories of Purdue university and rejoice over the wonderful friendships I established during my stay in the United States.

I am looking at a very busy rest of the year with finishing dissertation, teaching, and performing. The Finnish Cultural Foundation has generously given our poetry reciting company a grant to perform poems about men. The project is inspired by my doctoral dissertation on Finnish men's friendships and the communication of social support. You may want to check out www.siitapitaen.fi! The production premiers 25th October, 2011.

Feliz año nuevo 2011!

Happy New Year everyone! The year 2011 is the last year of my dissertation writing. Needless to say, it is a very exciting year.

When I look back I see a lot of personal growth, trials and errors, --growth as a researcher too, of course! For a big portion of that development I owe gratitude to my friend and mentor, late professor Brant Burleson. He passed away in December 2010 and is missed sorely both as a unique scholar and devoted personality that he was.

After a busy winter break in Finland, I have returned to the US ready to tackle the rest of articles I need to write for The Book to be ready. With many things to look forward to I wish all your goals will be accomplished and fun surprises color your year light and bright!

The Essence of Experiences

Life in West Lafayette, Indiana is sunny with a nice breeze. A breeze of academic excellence and dynamism of Purdue University. The new office environment inspires me to work full speed ahead with the remaining articles of my dissertation. I have previously distinguished the support Finnish men provide for their friends in episodes of sudden unemployment, relationship break-up, and alcohol abuse. Recently I finished a paper on 'good' support according to men in friendships. The next goal is to drill down to the essence of it all...

Get in contact! Stay in contact! Let's have online and offline conversations on matters that count: Friendships and social support! I wish you all an exciting fall term.

Packing for USA

The year 2010 came with an offer for full-time teaching, which I have greatly enjoyed. Consequently, my research has been getting less of my attention, on paper. The dissertation is moving along nicely, nevertheless, and I am packing it with me to face new challenges: My term as a visiting scholar at Purdue University, Indiana, USA starts in August! I wish you all a beautiful spring awakening!

Year of Possibility 2010

New adventures lie ahead and there is no better time to thank all the people who have contributed to me during the year 2009. My research and I have enjoyed the support of many and marvellous individuals and foundations this year. I am priviledged to have met great scholars and attend exciting conferences. Moreover, there is a fantastic year 2010 just around the corner and you never know what the next wave will bring. Following the analogy, best of greetings from New Zealand and happy holidays! Aroha nui.