Ao abrigo de uma Bolsa Fulbright para Investigação, Francisco Almeida, estudante de doutoramento da Universidade do Minho, desenvolveu parte da sua pesquisa sobre “Mechanisms of Memory and Alzheimer’s Disease” na Columbia University, NY, EUA.
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«The Fulbright Scholarship provided me with a unique opportunity to learn MRI techniques at a top-level institute in the world. Even though the project suffered from technical difficulties, the knowledge gained in these 6 months is essential to further develop my career. It also meant I had the opportunity to meet incredibly bright people from the most diverse cultural backgrounds.
Columbia University, and New York itself, are impregnated by a sense of initiative, creativity and will to achieve great things. Most of all, this was the major lesson of this scholarship.
Beyond the traditional scientific meetings, I met frequently with postdoctoral researchers for social activities, meeting colleagues from across all areas of knowledge at Columbia. I also had the opportunity to meet fellow clinical colleagues and visit other hospitals in New York City.
As I jumped around the boroughs of New York, I was able to experience the incredibly rich cultural life of this city, as mirrored in the people that inhabit and create these “open receptacles” that mirror their culture, language and way of living. This is the beauty of New York, its inclusion of diversity and its celebration, always having in mind the drive to fulfill one’s dreams.
Throughout the way, I also participated in Portugal Day at Carnegie Hall, brought American friends with me and shared our culture of embrace. I believe my role as an ambassador of the Portuguese culture was fulfilled to my best ability.
I am deeply grateful to Fulbright for this opportunity. The networks that were created, professional and personal, are sure to last a lifetime. I am certain I will come back to New York frequently, perhaps some day for a longer period of time.»
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Thank you, Francisco, and welcome home!