The ability to analyse the brain using a non-invasive technique such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) “was a medical revolution”, as shared by Patrícia Figueiredo. The Técnico professor led the fourth MasterTalk dedicated to the master’s programmes offered by the Department of Bioengineering (DBE), on 14th December, at Técnico Congress Centre, Alameda Campus.
The lecture titled “Looking inside the brain and repairing it: a journey of bioengineering and biomedical engineering” focused on the professor’s academic career and some topics related to her research area. With brain-related diseases as the central theme of the presentation, Patrícia Figueiredo emphasised the role of biomedical engineers in diagnosing and treating these dysfunctions, which are estimated to affect one in three people at some point in their lives. Topics such as neuroregeneration, the role of biomarkers and the combination of functional MRI with electroencephalography, as well as other imaging techniques, were discussed.
Helena Pericão and Sofia Azevedo are finishing their degrees in the field of cell and molecular biology and came to the MasterTalk together, curious about the possibility of getting into a Técnico master’s programme. Both are interested in biotechnology, but for different reasons – while Sofia is considering pursuing something related to pharmaceuticals, Helena prefers to keep her options open and find out more about future Erasmus opportunities. Simão Fonseca, a third-year Biological Engineering student at Técnico, came to the MasterTalk to decide on his next step. “I think there are some very interesting study programmes” explains the student, who is still divided on his choice. As for the lecture, he emphasised the fact that it covered the “student-professor interaction during projects”.
“I really enjoyed it,” says Patrícia Figueiredo. “It was great having so many interested students with very relevant and interesting questions”. The professor also praised the initiative “it’s great to see all the efforts that have been made to disseminate our training offer and this one, in particular, both inside and outside Técnico. It’s a very commendable initiative that should take place more often”. In her opinion, “dissemination [of Técnico’s training offer] is essential – it’s not a question of ‘if’, but ‘how'”.
The next MasterTalk, led by Ana Póvoa, is scheduled for January 18 and will focus on the master’s programmes offered by the Department of Engineering and Management.
