Ao abrigo de uma Bolsa Fulbright para Investigação com o apoio da FCT e no âmbito do seu doutoramento em ‘Sustainable Land Use’ do Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Quelvina Fortes desenvolveu parte da sua pesquisa na Northern Arizona University, AZ, EUA.
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«My Fulbright experience was profoundly transformative academically, professionally, and personally. During my time in Arizona, I had the privilege of working at Northern Arizona University (NAU), conducting research under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Hofstetter and Dr. Peter Fulé. Their guidance enabled me to advance key components of my PhD, while immersing me in a culture of scientific excellence, trust, and mutual respect.
I also participated in the Dendrochronology Intensive Summer Course at the University of Arizona’s Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, one of the world’s leading centers in tree-ring science. This technical training greatly strengthened my methodological approach to ecological and climate research.
Beyond academia, I engaged in environmental volunteer work, including butterfly monitoring and the planting of climate-adapted species. These experiences allowed me to connect with the land and local communities in meaningful ways, adding depth and purpose to my journey.
I am deeply grateful to the entire NAU community for their warm welcome, and to all the instructors, colleagues, and mentors both in the U.S. and in Portugal who supported me along the way.
A final note of heartfelt thanks goes to Dr. Richard Hofstetter. His empathy, intellectual generosity, and unwavering human kindness represent the very best of what one can find in another person. I will carry his example with me as a scientist, a scholar, and as someone forever shaped by the humanity that science can hold.»
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Thank you, Quelvina, welcome back!