Liliana Moreira Costa, 25, has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Biochemistry, and currently is a PhD student in Cardiovascular Sciences.
In this blog post, she came to share a little of her academic path, her research work, as well as her opinion about what is more stimulating and challenging in the life of a scientist.
THE INTERVIEW:
What was your dream profession as a child?
When I was a child, I dreamed that one day I would be a teacher.
What was your academic background and how important was it for your present/future?
My academic path began with the entry into the Biochemistry course at UA (University os Aveiro), followed by a master's degree in the same area but with a specialization in Clinical Biochemistry. This specialization became an asset because it directed me to my biggest area of interest: the health area. During my academic career I had the possibility to do research in this area and it was definitely very important, and I chose to do a PhD in the area of Cardiovascular Sciences.
If you could go back, what would you change in your career and academic life?
I believe that the whole journey I took was what led me here and I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have had. In any case, if I had to choose, I probably would have opted for a specialized master's degree in the field of cardiovascular sciences at another institution.
Briefly, what does your research work consist of, and why did you choose this area?
My current job is to develop new therapeutic strategies for heart failure, namely through animal models. When I am working in this area, I hope to contribute to a greater understanding of the functional and molecular mechanisms associated with this pathology and to promote new options for the prevention / treatment of these patients.
In your opinion, what is the most stimulating thing in research VS the biggest challenges / difficulties in research? Did you ever imagine being where you are?
The most stimulating to me in research is to develop questions / hypotheses that aim to promote improvements in the community. Everything that involves preparing, taking on challenges, testing, thinking again, solving... These are some of the most stimulating points in research. The biggest challenges are the opportunities to obtain funding to develop research projects and also include (and give opportunity) to newly graduated young people who deserve an opportunity.
What advice would you give to people who are thinking about going to study Biotechnology (or another area of science), to those who are studying, and to recent graduates?
I would say that it is important for them to realize that research and science are very broad areas, and therefore they can only understand what they like throughout the process. For people who are thinking about studying, who are already studying, or who are recent graduates, I would say to accept the opportunities, to move forward without fear, and to embrace the challenges. If this area is the most suitable for you, surely you will feel fulfilled and that you will fulfill your duties with a smile.
We are grateful to Liliana Moreira Costa for sharing her testimonial.
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