Ricardo Faustino de Lima (Post-Doctorate Researcher)

Name: Ricardo Faustino de Lima

Subject: PhD Biological Sciences

Year Graduated: 2012

College: Graduate

Where are you now and what are you doing?

I’m a post-doctorate researcher and invited lecturer at the University of Lisbon. In my post-doctorate I’m continuing the research I started during my PhD at Lancaster, whereby I study land-use management and the conservation of endemic species in the island of São Tomé.

What would you like to do next?

I would like to continue contributing to research and conservation in São Tomé and Príncipe, a small but very special island country in central Africa.

Why did you choose to study at Lancaster?

I feel like it was Lancaster that chose me. I was looking for someone to support my application for a PhD funded by the Portuguese government, and the person who accepted me (Jos Barlow) had just received a position at Lancaster. I got the grant and he ended up being my supervisor.

What was your favourite part of your degree and why?

It’s difficult to say just one. If I had to choose, probably the vibrant research environment. It was great to have not just a supervisor, but a team of researchers (and friends) keen on supporting my research, and obviously the fieldwork.

How do you think your time at Lancaster prepared you for what you’re currently doing?

My time at Lancaster was vital to allow me doing the research up until then I could only dream about. It was the birth of my scientific career.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Lancaster?

It was definitely getting to know people from around the world, with the occasional night out and nature walk around Lancaster.