The afternoon of the last day of the PhD Open Days began with the session Round Table: "Every Step Matters: Stories from the PhD Journey". Jorge Marques Silva, alumnus of the Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering and the PhD in Renewable Energy Systems, participated in the debate alongside Catarina Vieira, José M. Orench, Diogo Nunes, and Catarina Botelho, all PhD students at Técnico. The session was moderated by Alexandre Athayde, also a PhD student in Aerospace Engineering.

The session started with the presentation of the students and the alumnus, along with their respective research projects. Jorge Marques Silva is a Systems Control Application Engineer at Amp X, specializing in energy system optimization and model-based predictive control. He works with algorithms such as predictive modeling, inverse model-based control, and optimization using genetic algorithms, utilizing Python, MATLAB, Simulink, and C#. His PhD thesis focused on Wave Energy Forecasting Using Evolutionary Computing Techniques for Control.

Jorge Marques Silva mentioned that the first challenge he faced was finding a supervisor during his first year of the PhD, in 2017. He aimed to conduct research that included renewable energy and machine learning (in artificial intelligence algorithm systems), and he intended to work with MIT. The following year, visits to the institute were canceled, presenting him with a second challenge.

Of course you can talk to other fellow students, about this problem, we tried to join forces but you also have to look for alternatives.

Jorge Marques Silva, alumnus from PhD at Técnico

The alumnus emphasized the need for persistence in order to achieve the desired results. After the cancellation of the visits, he applied for other scholarships, including the Fulbright, which had a partnership with the FCT. Through this, he was able to visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Throughout the session, he highlighted the support provided by PhD supervisors to their students, which constitutes the main help in research and in answering the questions inherent to the process, such as what to publish and where to publish it.

Jorge Marques Silva also addressed the topic of mental health, mentioning that he received support in some psychology sessions offered by the University of Lisbon. He stated that, in addition to experiencing a mental block when writing his second scientific paper, he also felt imposter syndrome, believing that he might be seen as a fraud and that he did not deserve all the support he was receiving. On the other hand, he pointed out that this issue may be a common thought among students, emphasizing the importance of openness to discussions about the topic.

When asked about the positive aspects of his PhD, the alumnus highlighted his research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which lasted six months and took place before the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the publications he made throughout his studies. He had the opportunity to publish two scientific papers before defending his thesis and one afterward.

I would apply again.

Jorge Marques Silva, alumnus from PhD at Técnico

The debate ended with the students being asked what they would do differently throughout their journey if they had the opportunity to change something. Jorge Marques Silva stated that he would apply again, especially after his experience at MIT, believing that the PhD challenges and shapes students, providing them with useful tools for the future.

After the Round Table: "Every Step Matters: Stories from the PhD Journey", the pitch competition took place, with PhD students from various research areas participating. The competition jury was chaired by Professor Luis Caldas de Oliveira, who announced the winner after two honorable mentions.

During the two days, a poster exhibition of PhD research was also on display, featuring five from Electrical and Computer Engineering, authored by Gonçalo Teixeira, Luís Crespo, Miguel Graça, Pedro Martin, and Rúben Viegas, as well as three from Aerospace Engineering, by Alexandre Athayde, Girolamo Musso, and Iara Figueiras.

The event also included a presentation from the National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CNCTI), with Luís Montenegro, Fernando Alexandre (Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation), and Pedro Reis (Minister of Economy). There was also an Out of the Box Session: "What if?... A conversation about mental health", with António Raminhos. The event concluded with the closing session, presented by Rogério Colaço, President of Técnico.

Photography: Daniela Leonardo