Johanna Kaakinen

I’m an associate professor of psychology at the University of Turku, Finland. I am currently leading two research projects: Fostering Finnish Science Capital (FINSCI) consortium funded by the Strategic Research Council (2020-2023), and IMMERSED project on the neurocognitive underpinnings of literary experience, funded by the Academy of Finland (2021-2024). I also coordinate the activities of Turku EyeLabs and serve as the director of research theme “Skills and learning” in the INVEST research flagship.

FINSCI examines Finnish Science Capital and seeks ways to foster it in formal and informal science education contexts. My research team at the University of Turku examines how emotions like curiosity and awe impact understanding of science-related information. We also do research on emotions triggered by science-related information when it contradicts prior beliefs, and how that influences comprehension.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Turun yliopisto (2000 — 2004)

Companies

• University Lecturer Turun yliopisto - University of Turku (2020)
• Senior Lecturer University of Turku
• Senior Research Fellow Turku Institute for Advanced Studies (2017 — 2020)
• Visiting Professor INSEAD (2017 — 2018)

Skills

• Lecturing
• Higher Education
• Research

Other

Statistics, Research Design