What was your first job?
As a "surviving" student I had several jobs, mainly in bars and restaurants. However, my first engineering job was as a production and electronics officer developing PCBs for an electronic instrumentation company.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My Parents. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Who do you admire as a leader?
Steve Jobs.
What is your favourite movie of all time?
E.T.
What is your favourite travel destination and why?
Home. Nothing gives more comfort than getting home to my family after a long day at work.
If you were given £1m what would you spend it on?
Well… a difficult one. In one side, I would like to reply: I would spend it on my research! But, I would probably end up splitting it four ways: my research, for Aspire (I am really impressed with the work going on here and I'm honoured to be affiliated with this institution), to the Stroke Association and to cancer research (for family reasons that go beyond my research).
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Which languages can you speak fluently?
Portuguese, Spanish, French… ah and English!
Favourite book?
Around The World In 80 days by Jules Verne.
Which working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
Seeing the sparkle in the eyes of a stroke patient while getting his arm moving again as a result of exposure to one of my robotic therapies.
If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be?
Albert Einstein. I have many questions relating to his theory of relativity!
Favourite quote/saying?
"If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true is really true, there would be little hope of advance." - Orville Wright.
Work/Life. Balanced?
Not really balanced, but then, I am passionate about the work I do. So yes, my work is in a way my life.
What one word would you use to describe yourself?
Creative.
What one word would your friends use to describe you?
Motivator.
What would be on the menu for your last supper?
Simple and comforting – fish and chips!
If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
The work I already do!
Favourite music/musician?
Generally speaking I consider myself 'a music lover', all the way from classic to pop. So can’t really pick one.
What will you never do?
Quit.
If you could be Prime Minister for a day and could implement one policy, what would it be?
Make sure those in need receive dignifying help and protect those whom have worked for their country all their life!
