Ao abrigo de uma Bolsa Fulbright para Investigação com o apoio da FCT e no âmbito do seu doutoramento em ‘Sustainable Chemistry’ da Universidade do Porto, Isabela Santos desenvolveu parte da sua pesquisa no Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, EUA.
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«During my stay at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, I had the opportunity to develop a complex and innovative three dimensional platform for the study of osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. I designed and implemented a 3D tumor model based on spheroids, with the aim of better mimicking the in vivo tumor microenvironment. This model represents a significant improvement over traditional 2D cell culture systems, both in terms of biological relevance and predictive power.
Since this experience is not only about work, I seized the opportunity to explore Boston and its surrounding cities, such as Salem and Providence. Far away from Boston, I visited New York, the American cliché, and experienced it fully: snow in Times Square. In Boston, I participated in various academic and cultural activities, as the city has a busy “agenda” with events happening around the clock. From MIT musical rehearsals to Red Sox games, I filled my free time with daily activities in Boston. This helped me integrate into the local community and explore different aspects of American life. Additionally, I took part in events organized by PAPS Boston, a group of Portuguese residents who host activities focused on adapting to American culture.
I am deeply grateful to the Fulbright Program and the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) for supporting this research stay. It has been a transformative experience, both scientifically and personally, that has broadened my perspective, opened new professional pathways, and inspired future directions for my work.»
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Thank you, Isabela, welcome back!