Doctor of Theology and Docent Laura Kallatsa shares how her passion for research led her to pursue a doctoral dissertation and how earning a doctorate has influenced her career as a researcher, teacher, and university campus pastor.
Tell us about your background – what did you study and what led you to pursue doctoral studies?
I went straight from high school to study theology in Joensuu, and after completing my Master’s degree, I began working on my doctoral dissertation. When I first applied to study theology, it never crossed my mind that I might become a researcher. However, I loved writing my Master’s thesis, and my own enthusiasm combined with my supervisor’s encouragement gave me the initial push toward an academic career.
What is your degree?
Doctor of Theology, major Practical Theology.
Why did you choose to pursue doctoral studies in this field and at this university?
My Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis supervisor has been the most influential person in my academic career. My supervisor’s endless encouragement and support for my enthusiasm during both the Bachelor’s and Master’s stages were crucial. I had just graduated from the University of Eastern Finland, so continuing my doctoral studies there felt very natural.
What was the most challenging part of your dissertation work?
Two things come to mind immediately. First, especially in the beginning, my enthusiasm was so intense that the risk of overworking was high. I was on the verge of burnout a couple of times before I learned to keep my workload within reasonable limits. Nowadays, I’m very careful about rest and recovery. Second, my research topic attracted enormous attention. I studied the views of pastors in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland on same-sex marriage. The topic was highly sensitive within the Lutheran Church, and I received quite a bit of criticism from both its conservative and liberal wings. On the other hand, the topic also brought me many opportunities to speak publicly and gain experience working with the media.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your doctoral journey?
It was a privilege to do what I love. I truly enjoyed research. It was rewarding to discover something interesting and share the results through presentations, lectures, and talks. Working with experienced colleagues and peers was also very enriching. And of course, it was incredibly rewarding when my custos declared at the end of my successful defense: “The public examination is concluded.” I wanted to cheer and shed tears of joy right then and there—but I saved them for the moment I stepped out of the defense hall.
How did the doctoral journey impact you professionally or personally?
Earning my doctorate opened up work opportunities that would not have been possible without the degree. Personally, studying for a doctorate made me more open-minded; I understand now that things are rarely black and white.
Personally, studying for a doctorate made me more open-minded; I understand now that things are rarely black and white.
Laura Kallatso
Teologian tohtori
How has your career progressed since earning your doctorate?
I first worked for three years as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland in international projects studying religious transmission. At the same time, I participated in several other research projects and taught practical theology. The highlight of my career so far was spending a year as an Assistant Professor at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Hong Kong. My work focused on teaching and supervising students. I dream of working in a similar role again in the future. After returning to Finland, I worked as a grant-funded researcher at the University of Helsinki, studying multireligious Finnish families. Currently, I conduct research as a docent at the University of Helsinki and serve as a university chaplain in Vaasa. My career has not progressed at all as I imagined when I graduated—I could never have planned such interesting turns!
How have you been able to utilize your doctoral degree in working life?
Except for my current role as a pastor, the doctoral degree has been essential for all my positions. As a university chaplain, my academic background is a great asset: I know firsthand the joys and struggles of university life. No one needs to explain to me what a failed exam feels like, or the frustration of a rejected article manuscript, or the stress of applying for research funding. I truly feel that I’m in the same boat as students, researchers, and teachers.
What do you enjoy most about working life right now?
Students! I have always loved teaching and guiding students, and now as a university chaplain, I get to support them from a different perspective. I want to promote student well-being and help make the academic world warmer and more human-centered.
What advice would you give to someone considering doctoral studies?
Be clear about why you want to pursue a doctorate. You’ll need that motivation many times along the way—it will be tested. Knowing your deepest reason for doing research will help you stay grounded. Find supervisors you can trust—and who trust you. And finally, just go for it! Apply! Give yourself the chance to find out if this path is for you.
