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Name: Susana Novais Santos
E-mail: susana@seas.upenn.edu
Year of Birth: 1975
Place of birth: Lisbon, Portugal
City of residence: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Years in the US: 6
Personal webpage/blog: http://picsl.upenn.edu/people_santos.aspx
Undergraduate Degree: Computer Science and Engineering (Instituto Superior Técnico)
Post-graduate Degree(s): MSc in Engineering and Physical Science in Medicine (Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine – University of London, UK); PhD in Bioengineering (Neuroengineering Track) (University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA)
Current professional status: Will be starting an academic job in September
Research interests: Neurolinguistics; neural basis of strategic planning and decision making; cognitive neuroscience; medical imaging
Best career achievement: Surviving the (sometimes dreadful) American graduate school system and finally obtaining the PhD
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To be or not to be an immigrant in the US
What brought you to the USA?
I have always wanted to study abroad. After a few years living in Macau, in China and in the UK, I realized it was the right time to pursue my own American dream. I was confident that, at Penn, I would have the unique opportunity to perform cutting-edge research in a top-notch academic environment. Fortunately, I found what I was looking for.
Name the three most valuable lessons you have learned in this country (at work or not).
1) If you work hard enough, you will succeed. 2) Be assertive. 3) Over-ambitiousness does exist – and it is definitely not good. Your career is not everything!
Are you planning to go back to Portugal? Why/Why not?
Yes, I am planning to go back. I strongly believe we should bring back to our country the vast knowledge and incredible know-how we obtained while studying/working abroad. Furthermore, I miss my family, the Portuguese weather and the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. There is much more to life than work.
What conditions (other than salary) do you have here that you do not have in Portugal?
Diversity. As far as I am concerned, diversity is among the best things the USA has to offer. Diversity of people, backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, food, landscape… Bringing together scientists from various academic and cultural backgrounds is definitely a key factor for performing good research. Moreover, the opportunity to meet people from all corners of the world and get to know and share their culture is truly a life-changing experience.
What do you think Portugal is still better at?
Preserving family values and keeping traditions alive while welcoming innovation and progress; enjoying life, food and humor (we always have a joke to tell!); social security, welfare… and the already-famous “desenrascanço”!
What would you like to see changed in the Portuguese educational system?
Bridging the gap between academia and industry; providing more flexibility (e.g. ability to choose course electives); reducing hierarchy, formality and bureaucracy.
The daily life in the US
| Favourite news from Portugal: |
Publico |
| Favourite Website/Blog: |
National Geographic |
| Ideal weekend program in your US city: |
Early morning run in Fairmount Park, along the Schuylkill River; brunch at the Italian Market; afternoon at the Art Museum; dinner at an authentic Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. |
| Portuguese neighbourhood: |
Northeast Philadelphia. About 50,000 Portuguese people live there. You can find a few restaurants, coffee shops and grocery stores. To get a better selection of Portuguese goodies (e.g. pastéis de nata), you should go to Riverside, NJ (just across the bridge) or – better still – Newark, NJ.
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