Na primeira pessoa,  Duarte Folgado  partilha connosco a sua experiência Fulbright. Ao abrigo de uma Bolsa Fulbright para Investigação (22/23) e no âmbito do seu doutoramento em Biomedical Engineering da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Duarte  desenvolveu parte da sua pesquisa no Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), MA, EUA.

 

 

“O valor das coisas não está no tempo que elas duram, mas na intensidade com que acontecem. Por isso existem momentos inesquecíveis, coisas inexplicáveis e pessoas incomparáveis.”

—Fernando Pessoa

 

«I was incredibly privileged to be chosen as a Fulbright scholar, embarking on a transformative journey from Portugal to the US. Not every day do you get the chance to step out of your comfort zone, away from family and friends, and go into the unknown across the Atlantic. Yet, are precisely these experiences that catalyse our growth both professionally and personally.

The Fulbright Program, at its heart, is about fostering mutual understanding among nations through educational exchange. During my four months in Boston, this mission resonated deeply. As a visiting student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), I had the privilege to do research at both the Immersion Lab and the Edelman Lab. My supervisor, Elazer Edelman, provided unwavering support, closely monitoring my work, understanding my challenges, and celebrating my achievements. The opportunity to collaborate across these two labs not only did enrich my experience but also propelled significantly my research during the crucial concluding phase of my PhD. I am grateful to have been embraced so warmly by a diverse team of colleagues.

Beyond the significant research accomplishments, what stands out most from my experience are the invaluable connections and friendships I forged. These relationships have endured, and our collaboration continues even after my return from the US.

Boston, a vibrant hub steeped in history and buzzing with intellectual energy, complements MIT’s academic ambiance. The city added another dimension to my journey, allowing me to immerse myself beyond academic offerings and deeply into its rich offerings in culture and art. From the historical Freedom Trail to the contemporary rhythms of its street performers, I found myself delving into a rich exploration of the nation’s ethos, arts, and traditions. This immersion allowed me to appreciate the depth and diversity of American life, adding a profound layer to my Fulbright experience.

Fortuitously, my journey was shared with an exceptional group of Portuguese Fulbrighters I met after arriving in the US. We embarked on countless adventures together, weaving a tapestry of memories filled with laughter and joy.

In reflection, my time in Boston and at MIT as a Fulbrighter has been an invaluable chapter in my life. It stands as a testament to the power of travel, international collaboration, education, and the boundless possibilities that arise when curious minds from diverse backgrounds come together.

I am deeply thankful to everyone I met during this journey and grateful to the Fulbright Commission for trusting me with this opportunity!»

Immersion Lab social outing

With a group of lab colleagues from the Edelman Lab, serving as MIT Ambassadors welcomed dozens of high schoolers from Spain visiting MIT through a ‘la Caixa’ Foundation travel scholarship

With my group of fellow Portuguese Fulbrighters, enjoying a dinner at “Faialense” in Cambridge in a PAPS meeting

Walking home after work, I would cross the Harvard Bridge from Cambridge to Boston, enjoying an amazing view of the Boston skyline

In New York, one of the numerous journeys I undertook to discover the US

With my host Prof. Elazer R. Edelman

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Thank you, Duarte, for being part of this wide and friendly community, welcome back!

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