Na primeira pessoa,  Diana Cunha  partilha connosco a sua experiência Fulbright. Ao abrigo de uma Bolsa Fulbright para Investigação com o apoio da FCT (23/24) e no âmbito do  seu doutoramento em “Pharmaceutical Sciences” da Universidade do Porto, Diana desenvolveu parte da sua pesquisa na Iowa State University, IA, EUA:

 

«My name is Diana Cunha, and I am a PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences, specializing in Analytical Chemistry, at the Department of Applied Chemistry of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto. I received a Fulbright scholarship with the support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) to spend four months in the Department of Chemistry at Iowa State University.

As a Portuguese PhD student, my time in the United States under the Fulbright Program was nothing short of extraordinary. The opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, engage with exceptional people, and explore diverse perspectives was a truly transformative experience.

One of the most remarkable aspects of my stay was the access to state-of-the-art resources that greatly enhanced my skills and knowledge. The collaborative discussions at my host institution fostered the exchange of ideas and significantly deepened my understanding. The mentorship from my advisor and the support from my laboratory colleagues were invaluable, fostering both professional and personal growth. Additionally, presenting my research at a conference was a significant milestone in my academic journey, further enriched by the support and valuable scientific discussions provided by my research group, creating an ideal working environment.

Living in the U.S. and being part of a multicultural research group allowed me to experience a rich cultural landscape. The warm hospitality and openness of my colleagues and my wonderful roommates made me feel at home, creating lifelong friendships and networks that span the globe. The people I met truly made my stay special, turning our house into a home. Their friendship and the many moments we shared created a warm and welcoming environment that kept me grounded and happy throughout this journey. The cultural exchange with my colleagues was enriching on all levels. Their kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on me. I truly believe that it’s the people, not the place, that make an experience memorable, and they all proved that to be true.

My Fulbright experience not only broadened my academic horizons but also enriched my understanding of the world. It reinforced the importance of cultural exchange and the shared pursuit of knowledge. I am profoundly grateful to the Fulbright Commission for this incredible opportunity, and I encourage future scholars to embrace this journey with open hearts and minds. This experience not only boosted my scientific and academic knowledge but also opened doors to future collaborations and projects.

Thank you, Fulbright, for an unforgettable experience that will continue to inspire and guide me throughout my career.»

 

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Thank you so much, Diana, and welcome back!

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