Testimonials

Many of our former students have continued on to impressive careers. Below are just a few selected testimonials on how their experience at the Faculty of Biotechnology opened their path to those opportunities.

Studying as an Erasmus student in Porto, Portugal, has made me a very determined and dynamic person. Working in a research environment at the ESB certainly helped me get the job I have today. Thanks to this Erasmus period, I was very specifically reminded of my initial fascination with science and I drew therefrom new energy to continue my studies abroad and to accomplish a PhD study later on. The cultural aspect was most important. Studying in Portugal increased my understanding of communication, especially between various cultures. During my time in Portugal I met fascinating people and friends for life, having me immersed in their beautiful country.
Jessika De Clippeleer, PhD | researcher at KAHO Sint-Lieven University College (Belgium)

I was in Portugal on two occasions working at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa with Dr Paula Teixeira’s group. During my stay, I was able to gain experience in different techniques and equipment management. The new knowledge acquired during my research activities was very useful to improve my future experimental work. Furthermore, the experience provided a new vision that can contribute to the implementation of new techniques or strategies in the context of my research group in Argentine. In relation to the human aspect, I want to highlight that the people from the Portuguese research group, especially Dr Joana Silva, have shown confidence in my work that has allowed me to develop my work freely and also have been present whenever demanded. Therefore the experience was useful both from the professional and the personal point of view. Taking into account the above expressed I consider that the balance has been really positive.
Marina A. Golowczyc, PhD | Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (Argentina)

I pursued a degree in Microbiology because I wanted a modern education to face some of the world’s present and future challenges in biomedicine and biotechnology. My education in the Faculty of Biotechnology exposed me for the first time to an amazing microscopic world, and opened the door to spectacular professional opportunities. The warming yet demanding attitude set by my professors and colleagues shaped my scientific growth and education, and last, but not the least, allowed me to build some of my strongest friendships.
João Pedro Pereira, PhD | Assistant Professor at Yale University School of Medicine

To study at the Faculty of Biotechnology was the best chance I got to start enjoying the laboratory research. The practical education we received was of great value to pursue my scientific career, along with the insight on microbiology and molecular and cellular biology, and not forgetting the close and friendly relationship with the professors that gives you the confidence to succeed.
Maria Luísa Campos, PhD | Technical Director at The Binding Site

My professional path started in 1991 with a degree in Microbiology from the Faculty of Biotechnology in Porto. My aim was to obtain the best training in Portugal that would allow me to pursue research in the field of HIV/AIDS at an international level. The experience at the Faculty of Biotechnology led me to seek further education. I have obtained a Doctorate in HIV Immunology from the University of Oxford and a MBA from Oxford SAID Business School. I have gained further experience through fieldwork in West Africa, and worked in a clinical trial for a candidate HIV vaccine, at Oxford. More recently I have worked as consultant at the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, United Nations and with the United Nations Development Programme. These combined experiences have led me to found Local Insight Global Impact, an organisation headquartered in Portugal that works in health and development. I am also Assistant Professor at the Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics. My degree at the Faculty of Biotechnology has provided me with the training and the foundations for the work I have developed since, and I am very grateful for it.
Susana Pinheiro, PhD | CEO at Local InSight, Global Impact

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