About

Mikael Myyrä (he/they), known online as Molentum, is a programmer, student in computational physics, artist, game developer, and generally huge nerd from Jyväskylä, Finland. As of fall 2024, they're 28 years old and just left their job as a full-stack web developer to become a full-time PhD student at the University of Jyväskylä.

Mikael is most comfortable writing code, with skills in all major programming paradigms and a particular affinity for functional and data-oriented styles. Their PhD research concerns the simulation of plasma flows using a discretization scheme known as Discrete Exterior Calculus. During these studies they hope to reach an advanced skill level in differential geometry, numerical methods for differential equations, and general mathematical literacy.

In their free time Mikael is enthusiastic about all things creative, whether it's graphic art, video games, or heavy metal music. Their tools of choice are typically open-source digital software, from Krita and Blender for art to Neovim and Rust for games. Their tastes are a world of contrasts — the delicate femininity of Art Nouveau and the grotesquery of surrealist horror, the intense flow of precision platformers and the zen of exploration games, the brutality of death metal and the soothing quiet of an acoustic guitar. Their interest in physics simulations extends into their personal game projects in the form of the Starframe engine, on top of which they're building a platformer called Flamegrower where you swing on vines and set things on fire.