In this Inside DEI, we will get to know our colleague José Morgado a little better.

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

I came to Técnico in 1981/1982 as a night guard. Later, I moved to the organic chemistry laboratory. From organic chemistry, I transferred to the mail center, which, at the time, was in the Central Pavilion. After that, I became a messenger. And then, I came to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering with Mr. José Luciano to open the new rooms in the new pavilion here, in computer science. I've been in the Department of Computer Engineering since it was founded in 1998. I'm practically part of the "furniture" and I don't see myself leaving here except to retire.

• Tell us a little about what you do now at DEI.  

On a daily basis, I provide support to the classrooms; I assist with the professors’ mail; I also help with the study room and with the events that take place there, in the Computer Science and Engineering Pavilion 2 or are organized by the DEI, such as DEI às Quartas, DDAY, the Department Day, or special events like the one held last year, when the DEI conceived and set up an exhibition for the DEI's Emeritus Professors. As a joke, everyone sees me as a “jack-of-all-trades!” And I feel the same: always ready to help.

• What do you enjoy most about your daily work at DEI?  

I enjoy the interaction with my colleagues. I have no complaints about any of them. I get along with everyone. And I'm always there when they call me. Always available. Not just for work, but also for socializing and getting to know each other a little better. After all, this is where we spend a large part of our lives. It’s a second family that I truly cherish.

• Who is José outside of Técnico?  

Typically, when the workday ends, people head home. That’s not the case for me. When I finish my day at DEI, I go to Loures. I have a little vegetable garden there (I have just planted some potatoes, actually). I also have a shed where I collect some scrap metal, which I later sell. You’ve got to make a living! I usually stay there in Loures until eight, nine, sometimes ten at night. Of course, it’s not all gardening. There’s also some socializing. There’s a gentleman there who used to work here as a receptionist for five years. He was the one who encouraged me to set up a little garden and hang out with the folks there. We even have big lunches together now and then. Only after that little detour do I finally head home and wrap up my day. I rest on Sunday afternoons. That’s it. That’s my day off.