Can you introduce yourself?
I've been teaching courses in the bachelor and master programs of physics/astronomy, molecular sciences and biology since 1991. Although I'm formally retired, I still teach two courses: Mathematics and Physics of Complex Biological Systems (MOL159) in the bachelor phase, which is open to Science students (biophysics profile) and to Physics or Mathematics students, and the master course Neurobiophysics (NM119) of the Neurophysics master specialisation in Physics/Astronomy.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
As a physicist, I'm intrigued by the complexity of the living world, and I believe that the concepts of physics (and math) are essential for a deeper understanding of many biological mechanisms. Neuroscience is a highly challenging research field, also (or maybe especially!) for physicists, and I've been working in this field ever since my master's degree (1981). The current courses that I teach are nice examples of my interests in both (general) biology and neuroscience (in particular, on how the vastly complex signals from the sensory world are transformed into meaningful (motoric) actions of our body).
What are you currently doing your own research on?
In my current research, I work on the human auditory system (hearing), and especially on ways to improve modern brain-technology (cochlear implants) for the hearing impaired. I also work on eye- and head movement control. The latter topic I also explored with colleagues at the robotics institute in Lisbon, where we collaborated on a bio-inspired robotic eye.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Pick the master specialisation that truly interests you, and which will motivate you the most. As physicists, any of the offered master specialisations will prepare you for an excellent future career, almost anywhere in society.
What does your work in practice bring to your academic work, and vice versa?
Apart from intellectual satisfaction when you discover something new, the feeling of doing something with your knowledge that may eventually be of benefit to others (in my case: people with sensory disabilities).
What is the best part of being a lecturer?
Staying in close contact with young, intelligent, and motivated students.