Ao abrigo de uma Bolsa Fulbright para Investigação com o apoio da FCT, Luís Afonso, estudante de doutoramento em “Aquatic Sciences – Biology and Ecology” da Universidade do Porto, desenvolveu parte da sua pesquisa sobre “environmental DNA tools in marine ecosystems” na University of Washington, WA, EUA.
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«The Fulbright grant allowed me to conduct a research visit at the University of Washington in Seattle, working on eDNA methodologies for marine biodiversity monitoring, a unique opportunity that would have been hard to come by otherwise.
Beyond the scientific work, this experience taught me to navigate a different academic system, to build bridges with researchers from other cultures and backgrounds, and to think about my own research in new ways. Arriving at a new lab in a new country forces you to relearn how to communicate, how to ask for help, and how to make mistakes without fear, and that was perhaps the greatest gain of my time there.
Seattle itself was a big part of the experience. A city whose identity is deeply tied to the ocean and carries a vibrant sports culture, it truly is an emerald hidden gem I feel lucky to have called home.
I return to Portugal with collaborations I hope to maintain, an improved view of my research field, and deep gratitude to the Fulbright Portugal Commission for making all of this possible. I recommend this experience without reservation to any Portuguese researcher considering applying.»
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Thank you, Luís, welcome home!