Ao abrigo de uma Bolsa Fulbright para Investigação com o apoio da FCT e no âmbito do seu doutoramento em ‘Materials Engineering’ da Universidade do Minho, Valéria Gomes desenvolveu parte da sua pesquisa sobre “multimodal treatment of melanoma” em Brandeis University, MA, EUA.
~~~
«During my stay in Brandeis University, I had the privilege of working with the lead expert in enzyme-instructed self-assembly. The experience was academically inspiring and allowed me to deepen my knowledge in this cutting-edge field. The campus community was welcoming, diverse, and intellectually stimulating, which made this period one of the most rewarding of my academic career and, maybe, life.
My daily activities were centred in Professor Xu’s research group, where I integrated into the team’s dynamic routine and contributed to ongoing projects. The laboratory environment was characterized by rigor and curiosity. It took me a while to adapt to the working habits of my research group and scientific procedures, which emphasized not only technical precision but also independent critical thinking.
During my stay, I received training in advanced laboratory techniques and instruments that are crucial for research in materials science and related fields. I gained hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment such as liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The latter technique earned me a certificate of proficiency in calibration, operation, and image acquisition using a transmission electron microscope. This technical training greatly enriched my skillset and will have a lasting impact on my own research trajectory.
Living in Massachusetts allowed me to explore both the local traditions of New England and the broader cultural landscape of the United States. I participated in unique celebrations such as the Dia de Los Muertos festivities – organized by the Mexican community in Boston –, a typical Halloween evening, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas – with a local family – which gave me a deep appreciation of American cultural heritage and hospitality.
I also attended a Boston Celtics NBA game and the Veterans Parade in Boston, both of which highlighted different aspects of American civic life and popular culture.
Adapting to a new academic culture and daily life abroad was challenging, but these experiences ultimately became a lesson in resilience and self-reliance, teaching me the strength that comes from embracing uncertainty and growing through it. Academically, I return to Portugal with an enriched set of technical skills, new scientific perspectives, and valuable collaborations. Personally, I return stronger and more adaptable, with a deeper understanding of how cultural exchange shapes not only professional development but also identity and outlook.
I miss those times…
Fulbright, thank you for helping me shape who I am today!»
~~~
Thank you, Valéria, welcome back!