In this "Testimonials" we interview Vasco Fernandes, winner of a Prémio de Mérito Axians em Otimização e Algoritmos.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey at IST.

My name is Vasco Fernandes, I am 21 years old and I am from Agualva-Cacém. I am currently in the first year of the Master's in Data Science and Engineering.

I began my studies at Instituto Superior Técnico in the Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, where I learned a great deal, but I eventually realized it was not the field that best matched my interests. Throughout my undergraduate studies, my favorite courses were those related to Computer Science and Engineering, particularly Computation and Programming, Algorithms and Computational Modeling, Programming for Data Science, and Machine Learning. It was this exposure, together with my growing interest in machine learning, deep learning, and the use of data to support decision-making, that led me to pursue a Master in Data Science and Engineering.

• What did winning this award mean to you personally?

For me, receiving this award represents the culmination of a lot of hard work, not only throughout this year and the Optimization and Algorithms course, but also across my entire academic journey so far. It also provides valuable financial support, especially given the rising cost of living, and earning it through my own effort and dedication makes it all the more rewarding.

• Why are awards like this important?

I believe awards like this are important not only for the financial support they provide, but also for the recognition they offer. They can serve as a motivating goal, encouraging students to challenge themselves and strive for excellence. Even if you do not win, the knowledge and experience gained through the preparation and the process itself are already extremely valuable. For this reason, I believe these partnerships with industry are highly beneficial, and expanding them could bring significant advantages to students.

• In your opinion (besides awards ;)), what can and should be done to attract more students to Computer Science and Engineering at Técnico?

I believe more competitions and initiatives in Computer Science and Engineering should be promoted and publicized. Throughout my school years, starting in lower secondary education, I took part in several competitions, such as the Olimpíadas Portuguesas de Matemática and Pangea, among others, which greatly increased my interest in Mathematics. However, I was never aware of any similar opportunities in Computer Science and Engineering.

Moreover, I believe initiatives should be created to ensure that students, from primary school onwards, especially those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, have access to a computer. This would help create more equal opportunities: the pool of future Computer Science and Engineering students grows when more young people, regardless of their background, are exposed to computers and develop an interest in computing from an early age.

• Do you have any advice for future Computer Science and Engineering students at Técnico?

Don't be afraid to fail or to not be the best. All we can be is the best version of ourselves, and that is more than enough.

(original image: Vasco Fernandes)