Rafael Rodrigues, currently a first-year student in the Master's program in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MEEC) and winner of the first edition of the Celfinet Merit Award, shared a bit about his journey in an interview with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC) for the EletroStars feature.

His interest in the field started during high school, particularly in mathematics and physics, and in subjects related to electricity. Técnico was his first choice when he decided he wanted to pursue engineering, believing it to be an institution of excellence, with high-quality education at European level and strong ties to companies. He believes that it is a university that has an impact on students' lives, not only for those who enter Técnico with dreams and obtain the tools to make them come true, but also "it is great for those who enter without any specific dreams and manage to build them here," as is the case with this student.

When asked about his decision to pursue Electrical and Computer Engineering, he emphasized that, although he had already shown interest in areas like energy and electricity, his passion for the course grew throughout his academic journey. For this reason, even after achieving the required grade average, he declined entry into the undergraduate program that was initially his first choice during the second round of university admissions.

It was the best decision I’ve ever made, because it was impossible for me to like any course as much as I like mine.

Rafael Rodrigues, student from MEEC

It was with this passion combined with a focus on results that Rafael won the Celfinet Merit Award, highlighting his performance as the top student in the Telecommunications Systems course unit. Although he has an interest in prototype construction and the practical side of engineering, the student states that this course unit is highly relevant for the theoretical knowledge of optical, mobile, and satellite communications, covering topics such as interplanetary communication, inter-satellite communication, or through submarine cables. Rafael explained that the assessment was mostly individual, with only one group project, which focused on how satellites can communicate through radiation in the visible spectrum.

I think it was just one factor [that distinguished me from my peers], which is that I only have one level of effort, and that's always 100%.

Rafael Rodrigues, student from MEEC

Rafael highlighted the importance of this course unit for developing critical thinking and the ability to create measurable solutions to address current problems in the telecommunications field. The Telecommunications Systems course was taught by Professors Paula Queluz and António Rodrigues, both of whom played a key role in the students' learning: "They gave us tools and the ability to think critically, focusing on other topics like frequency allocation and how the subject is treated in the industry," he says.

When asked about the main challenges, the student pointed out that they discussed topics where research is still in its early stages, giving examples such as how communication will be possible in the future as cities continue to grow, and how communication in deep space will become feasible, which also requires significant technological development.

We have never had so much information circulating, and a new type of infrastructure will be needed.

Rafael Rodrigues, student from MEEC

The student points out that the Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering covers various areas, providing interdisciplinary skills that are relevant to professional life and preparing students for it. For this reason, along with the desire to contribute to the knowledge of other students by inspiring them to follow values of excellence, Rafael became a teaching assistant in some of the course units of both the undergraduate and master's programs. In this regard, he highlighted the support of Professor Luís Rosado, from the Instrumentation and Measurements course unit: "He saw my potential before I did."

Throughout the interview, Rafael emphasized that the faculty members of the DEEC impact students' lives in various ways, such as through experiences with students outside of class time and by promoting contact with companies. He also highlighted that the professors' passion for research is transmitted to the students, encouraging them to seek knowledge in different scientific areas.

Being a student at Técnico means representing not only the quality of the faculty and researchers we have, who are a reference at the European level, but also the effort and the environment here that strives for excellence."

Rafael Rodrigues, student from MEEC

Currently, Rafael already has research experience in the energy sector, through R&D Nester, REN Energy Research Center, and in the corporate field, through Galp. He also aims to gain experience in the telecommunications sector, with Celfinet being one of the possibilities.

He has an interest in electric mobility and the concept of vehicle-to-grid (V2G), where an electric vehicle can provide energy to the electrical grid in order to balance it, making the energy flow bidirectional: the vehicle supports the grid during periods of high electricity demand and can recharge during times of lower demand. In the future, he hopes to find a career that professionally combines the three areas: corporate, energy, and telecommunications, in an environment that demonstrates innovation alongside values of dedication and a constant search for knowledge.

My greatest ambition is to develop innovative and energy-efficient technological solutions that are also scalable, adding value to the end consumer and improving quality of life.

Rafael Rodrigues, student from MEEC