Interview with Dr. Ana Esteves—Winner of the Applied Sciences Best PhD Thesis Award
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Ana Esteves won the Applied Sciences 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award. The winner will receive CHF 800 and a chance to publish a paper free of charge after peer review in Applied Sciences (ISSN: 2076-3417) in 2025.
1. What motivated you to pursue a PhD in your field?
I have always been passionate about biology and the environment. When my supervisor first encouraged me to pursue a PhD, he suggested focusing on microalgae, which perfectly combined these two interests. I find microalgae fascinating. They not only capture CO₂ and treat wastewater but also have applications across diverse industries, from food to energy. This inspired me to undertake a PhD and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions.
2. Could you please give us a brief overview of your research topic? What motivated you to pursue this research topic?
In my thesis, I studied microalgae. I cultivated microalgae and tested different operational conditions to see how they affect their growth and biomass composition. By operational conditions, I mean factors like light intensity, light spectra, salinity in the medium, and similar parameters. The idea is that, depending on the conditions used, you can obtain biomass with different properties. This is important because microalgae can be used in various applications. For example, I can make the microalgae accumulate more lipid content or more protein content, which is beneficial for the food industry. I chose this topic because microalgae are so versatile. I can work on different aspects, such as treating wastewater and then using the biomass to produce biofertilizers. There are a lot of different topics I can explore within this area.
3. How did you manage your time and prioritize your tasks during your PhD program, and what strategies did you use to stay focused and motivated?
The first few years of my PhD were a bit chaotic because there was so much to do. My team was small, which meant I had a lot of responsibilities in the laboratory and in managing various tasks. I couldn’t focus solely on my thesis, as there was always extra work to handle. However, despite the challenges, it was absolutely worth it in the end. Managing my time was not always easy. I tried to set weekly goals, and I found it very important to divide big tasks into smaller ones. It made the work much more manageable because I would often feel stressed when faced with a large task. Breaking it down made it simpler to approach. For writing, I used the Pomodoro technique, which helped me stay focused, avoid procrastination, and maintain motivation. I also reminded myself of the big picture, celebrated small wins along the way, and exercised regularly, which is very good for the brain.
4. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your PhD journey, and how did you overcome them?
As I worked with microalgae and other microorganisms, one of the biggest challenges was when experiments didn’t go as planned. Sometimes they failed, or results were delayed due to a lack of reagents or other issues. At first, this was frustrating, but over time, I learned to see these setbacks as part of the process. I adjusted my work accordingly and focused on learning from the experience instead of giving up. Another challenge was maintaining a good balance between work and personal life. I overcame this by allowing myself time to rest without feeling guilty. It was difficult, but I found it was possible and necessary for long-term productivity and well-being.
5. What would you have done differently?
Looking back, one thing I would have done differently during my PhD is to collaborate more with other research groups. Collaborations can bring new perspectives, spark fresh ideas, and help build connections for the future. They also create opportunities to make friends and expand one’s professional network. For example, I spent six months at El Maria in Spain, which was an excellent experience. The people there were very welcoming, and I made lasting friendships. The research I conducted during that period was extremely valuable. Additionally, the reactors and equipment they had there were quite different from what we use in Portugal, which gave me the chance to gain unique technical experience and broaden my skills.
6. What advice would you give to students starting or coming to the end of their theses?
For those just starting their PhD, my advice is not to be afraid of problems or failed experiments. They are completely normal and an essential part of the learning process. For those who are finishing, I would suggest taking care of yourself while writing your thesis. The final stage is quite intense and different from the earlier phases. There’s usually less laboratory work, so it can feel more monotonous, but it is demanding because you spend a lot of time rewriting and refining your work.
7. When and how did you access Applied Sciences? What prompted you to apply for this award, and would you like to share your experience with the journal Applied Sciences?
I first became familiar with Applied Sciences through its publications in areas related to my research. I decided to apply for the award because I thought it was a great opportunity to highlight my work and share my findings with a wider audience. My experience with the journal has always been positive, from the submission process to the communication with the editorial team. I have also contributed to a Special Issue with the journal, and I’ve found everyone I interacted with to be very professional and helpful.
I want to continue working in the field of microalgae, focusing perhaps on process modeling and the circular economy, as my background is in environmental engineering. In the future, I would like to be involved in projects that connect academia and industry, because I believe this is the best way to transform research into real-world solutions. My long-term goal is to keep contributing to sustainable technologies and, potentially, to teaching. I am still exploring how I will develop that part of my career.