Torsti Verkkola
Torsti Rafael Verkkola, (born May 22, 1909 Lahti – dead June 11, 1977), was a Finnish, aircraft designer, researcher and professor.
Born to train driver Karl Wennström and Matilda Vilen. In 1935 he changed his surename from the Swedish "Wennström" into the Finnish "Verkkola". He was married to Impi Inkeri Niinivaara in 1939 and together they had two children, Matti and Marja.
He graduated from college in 1928, and received his diplomi-insinööri (MSc) degree in 1935. He studied at Technische Hochschule Berlin between 1935–1937 and did several study trips to Europe and North America.
He was working for Valtion lentokonetehdas from 1935 to 1945. He was chief designer from 1937–1941, later serving in administrative roles until 1944. During his time at VL, he participated in the design of VL Myrsky, VL Pyörremyrsky and VL Pyry aircraft. He held the military grade of Captain of Engineering.[1]
In 1945 he was appointed a professorship in mechanical engineering at the Helsinki Polytechnics Helsinki Polytechnic and served in that position until 1948, he was dean of the University between 1968–1970. Between 1946 and 1951 he served as a visiting professor at the University of Wisconsin. From 1954 until 1972 he was Professor of combustion motor engineering. He retired in 1972.[2]