Meet The Team
We are the team of Nord InC

Anna Nordström
Adjungated Professor of Public Health
Assistant Professor of Sports Medicine
Specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine
Senior Attending Physician Behavioral Medicine
Organisation
County council of Västerbotten & Umeå university
Area of competence
Principal investigator
Project management, WP leader
Evaluation & sustainability, WP leader
Background
Global interests include the factors underlying physical functioning across the continuum from basic physical activities to optimal sports performance. Specifically behavioral aspects are a focus, how people change their physical activity or what people do or use to become physical activity on a regular basis.
About
Anna Nordström is lead investigator in a number of studies investigating physical activity and health, including Healthy ageing initiative and PREMED. In addition she is the initiator to KRAFT, a MOOC (massive open online course) in physical activity and health. The goal of her research group —which she envisions as a hub for the study of physical activity and lifestyle related diseases— is to build an interdisciplinary environment “where both students, faculty and cooperation partners can work together to develop science that supports a healthy lifestyle across the lifespan.”
Hidden talent
Good at karate.

Jouko Kangasniemi
Physiotherapist
Organisation
Kuortane Olympic Training Center
Area of competence
Innovation
How I want to develop my area of competence
I want to use my experience and network within the field of public health as well as offer an inspiring environment and platform for companies.
Background
Vocational training: sports masseur- 85, physio therapist -94. cred.in MDT-97, project leader-02, PD leadership training-05, vocational studies teacher-13
Work experience: physio therapist/ rehabilitation 6 years, ward keeper/ specialist nursing 11 years. For 2 years I was the head physio therapist/ rehabilitation, for an additional 5 years I had my own business. For 10 years I worked as a healthcare and recreation director.
Activ member in athletics as well as in society as a coach and competetive badminton participant.
About
I am 54 years old, married to a physio therapist with three grown children.
Hidden talent
Paver



Joakim Träskelin
Training expert
Name
Joakim Träskelin
Organisation
Folkhälsan
Area of responsibility
Competence development
How I want to develop my area of responsibility
Competence development is often one of the most important links after the innovation idea has been born. I would like for Nord InC to be the given place to seek that competence. We would like to link together the supply of education as well as various fields of competence in Ostrobothnia and Westrobothnia. In addition we would like to create new training activities specifically for requested or found needs.
Background
The main part of my professional life I have worked within the field of training, health and education. I have functioned as a coach for over 10 years and an executive manager in sports associations. I have also been educational and event coordinator at league level. I am currently working 50% as an athletics producer at Folkhälsan (FH = Public health, Finland). The other 50% I am dedicated to our Botnia Atlantica project, Nord InC, with my main area of responsibility in competence development.
Education: Business administrator (BA), specialist degree as a professional trainer, personal trainer EQF4 level (FHU), certified IFC coach, physical trainer, nutritional adviser (the academy), and mental coach (FHU).
About
My family consists of my wife and our two kids, Signe and Elis. My biggest interest are sports and it imprints what I work with as well as my leisure time.
Hidden talent
I love to compete and preferably at track, skiing, rinkball and obstacle course, to name a few. Last year, for instance, I won the Tough Viking part competition and I apparently have some talent for that.

Andreas Hult
Nutritionist
Organisation
University of Umeå
Area of responsibility
Research
How I want to develop my area of responsibility
Not only do I have a background as a researcher, I have also worked with off shooting by research to companies. I believe that it is a winning concept, where well investigated and validated products first are tested within the research area, so that it later on will become commercialized in order to reach the end consumer. My hope is that this project can be an important part in the process.
Background
I have an education in molecular biology and additionally I am also a teacher. I went for a doctors degree in sports medicin afterwards, where my focus was mainly on clinically and performance-enhancing effects of blood transfusions and blood doping. At the moment I have a post doc employment at the institution of public health and clinical medicin, where my research focus are on the aspects on health along with physical activity and diet. Besides my involvement in Nord InC, I also am pursuing a research project in how physical activity can affect health and the timing for the amount you will withdraw form your pension later on in life.
About
I am a very active person, who likes to be outside in nature a lot. Climbing and running are activities close to my heart and my goal is to be able to do 10 kilometers in under 45 min. Another passion I have is good food, which I both love to cook as well as eat. The latter makes it extra important to stay active, and I try to prioritize every day - exercise those days I do not have time for targeted workout.
Hidden talent
I must say that I am pretty good at finding new chanterelle places in the forest.



Camilla Stenbäck
Educator
Organisation
Folkhälsan
Area of responsibility
Competence development
How I want to develop my area of responsibility
By creating intense and innovative collaborations together with acknowledged enterprises in Kvarken. Questioning and daring to change peoples’ and organisations’ actions when it comes to their wellbeing sounds like a pretty fair challenge!
Background
I’ve made some effort trying to experience the world through studies and work. Background in marketing, tourism and project management. MSc.
About
Dreaming about travelling around the world, improve my language skills and enhance body coordination. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying my family and friends.
Hidden talent
Disciplined speedster


Fredrik Nilbrink
Research Engineer
Organisation
RISE Interactive
Area of responsibility
Project partner for RISE Interactive
How I want to develop my area of responsibility
By connecting the existing compentence of within the field of Design and in particular Interaction Design with fresh ideas and inspiration that are generated by the fast flow of new technology in the health/medicin and sports sectors.
Background
My background is working within applied Interaction Design research as technical implementor, project leader and designer both within University and private settings.
About
Passionate about physical activity and especially running and orientating and also interested to see how new emerging technology can aid people in physical activity, work and everyday life.


Arnica D. Bäckström
Communications manager
Organisation
County council of Västerbotten
Area of responsibility
Communication
How I want to develop my area of responsibility
I would like to reflect a straight and distinct picture of the project, its progress, success and results. At the same time, according to the project plan, shed a light on examples of good collaboration between Finland and Sweden and, of course, make sure that equality takes a major place in our work.
Background
For 8 years I ran a small, flourishing, business where I learned a great deal about the importance of impeccable service, good communication and collaboration as well as economy, marketing etc.
I have worked as a teacher and also as a marketing and communications manager at a medium sized company. Furthermore search engine optimization, B2B sales at a media agency as well as a few short-term jobs all lead me into my previous job.
About
I am, and have always been an entrepreneur with about one million ideas. My mind is curious and free spirited and the artistic part of me needs to find various ways to express itself. I prosper in the arms of nature and love to pick berries, go hiking and fishing or just weed in my own garden.
Hidden talent
I can work wonders with flowers and... I am an excellent shot. Unusual combo i presume!

Pernilla Eriksson
Assistant Director
Organisation
Umeå university, School of Sport Sciences
Area of responsibilty
Research manager
Background
I have a Master in Sports Science from Umeå University since 1991. Since then I have been working as a physical education teacher, project manager and education consultant at SISU sports education in Västerbotten, Umeå, Sweden. Since 2002 I have been employed by Umeå University working with different tasks related to Sports Science. I am today Assistant Director at the Sports Academy and project manager of the Umeå School of Sports Science at Umeå University. My role in the Nord InC project is as research manager.
About
Sports has always been a main interest in life, especially gymnastics. I have been working as a coach, a teacher and board member locally and nationally within the Swedish Gymnastics Federation. I have a husband and two sons who both have chosen to focus on ice hockey so much of my free time nowadays goes to watch ice hockey. I also like to spend time with my family and friends and have a big circle of friends. When I want to relax I spend time in our summer paradise on Lillskärsudden outside Umeå.



Niko Leppä
Innovation
Organisation
Kuortane Olympic Training Center
Area of responsibility
Innovating physical activity for all, expertise in special needs and people with disabilities
Background
As a physical education teacher I’m mostly interested in how to motivate people to be physically active. Being physically active is a decision to be made every day and my main interest is how to make people think that it’s both fun and beneficial to choose being physically active. In previous projects and work I’ve combined physical activity with unexpected “spices” to make it feel like having fun while being physically active.
I have my heart in the field of adapted physical activity. I’m very much into designing and implementing contents that help even people with disabilities, or special needs, to be more physically active. Growing elderly population fit that picture, too.
About
Niko Leppä is a physical education teacher who has desire to innovate and try out new things. He is an open-minded laid-back guy who is not afraid of challenges. During and after studying (Master of Sport and Health Sciences) Niko has gathered experience by working as a teacher in schools, physical activity promoting projects, and as an adapted physical activity expert in various companies.
As a former athlete, Niko is always ready to give his everything and push through the challenges – together with others!
Hidden talent
Music is my passion and I constantly seek ways to merge music and physical activity.

Rebekka Mannelqvist
Project administrator
Organisation
County council of Västerbotten
Area of responsibility
Administration
How I want to develop my area of responsibility
By providing perspective from my areas of expertise in behavioral science, genus, ICT, HCI
Background
I have a Bachelor in Behavioral Analysis and IT environments and before that studying emotional sociology, health guidance and textile design. Has widely-spread work experience in healthcare, care, sales and service. Last, before VLL and Nord InC, I worked with coordination in Mobility Management and Sustainability Projects within Umeå Municipality.
About
A curious work ant with an analytical mind. Enjoying exercise, staying outdoors and philosophizing at home. Most of all, I like to go snowboarding in powder snow, otherwise I gladly to run away to the gym or on a bike ride to the forest or the sea. Always ready with thermos and food box wherever I go. At home, I relax with yoga and creative activities in countless shapes, or any inferior TV series.
Hidden talent
To like boring things.



Sabine Björk
Research Nurse
Organisation
Umeå University
Area of responsibility
Project coordinator
Background
Maybe we will read a little bit about Sabines background in a while.
About
Here we will soon present some interesting facts about Sabine.
Hidden talent
We are anxious to find out...
