Social impact can encompass a wide range of ideas and projects that positively affect the communities we live in. We are delighted to showcase a Fulbright alumna working with Human Rights and international law projects that are contributing to a better world.

An Article by Claire Shea (Fulbright/SiPN Intern, Summer 2024)

Here’s the full interview: 

1. How do you plan to use your experiences in the United States as a research associate at NOVA?

One of the main and innovative aspects of my research developed while in the United States is the comprehension of legal tensions and their intersectional impact on different segments of the population. In the last couple of years, I have used this in-depth understanding and disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conferences to foster a new understanding of the legal gap between theory and practice. As a result, this has impacted Nova’s research community on the comprehension of such legal gap.

2. What are some of the biggest challenges you face when it comes to your research? How do you overcome these challenges?

One of the biggest challenges is the lack of funding to disseminate and further develop the research. To raise awareness regarding the research results, in the last couple of years, I have been focused on publishing the research, disseminating the outcomes and results, making an impact and fostering innovative pathways to understand the gap between legal theory and legal practice.

3. If you could have one impact on Portuguese people now and/or in the future, what would it be?

I would like the Portuguese legal community to understand the root cause for such discrepancy between legal principles and legal practice. Hopefully, I would like my research to have a major impact on people’s awareness and understanding of such legal discrepancies.

4. What advice would you give to other Portuguese people who want to apply for a Fulbright grant?

I would like to encourage everyone who would like to apply for a Fulbright Grant, to prepare in advance, to take the most out of the experience, because time flies. There is time to conduct the research, to learn about the country and culture and, to travel, it is a matter to prepare in advance. Fulbright Grant provides the fellows with a wonderful opportunity to grow not only professionally but also personally.

 

Thank you for participating in this series, Tatiana! We wish you all the best! 

Know more about Tatiana here!

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