Maria Rita Teixeira Milhazes

As the President of the General Assembly of the NOVA FCT Finance Club, I take on the responsibility of supervising our team's activities. In this role, 1 ensure that our activities align with ethical standards and best practices, emphasizing transparency and integrity in all financial decisions and transactions. This position allows me to apply my leadership skills and contribute to the club's growth and success while fostering a culture of ethical conduct and professional development among our members.

I am proud to be a part of the Mimi Association, where I dedicate my time to accompanying an elderly woman on a weekly basis. It's a privilege to offer support and companionship to her, fostering a meaningful connection between us.

Embarking on my journey at UDream with a six-month volunteer course was just the beginning. After that sixs months, I joined to the National Committee of the UDream Association, where I directed my efforts towards the optimization of human resources. At the moment, I´m working on external relationships at UDream, where I’m driven by a deep passion for making a difference.

I completed a 4-month internship at the Laboratory of Enzyme, Fermentation, and Brewing Technology at KU Leuven, where I worked intensively with a PhD student to finalize my Bachelor's thesis, focused on unraveling the production of Phenyllactic acid by Lactobacillus spp. strains. This experience significantly improved my technical skills in fermentation technology, microbial metabolism, and laboratory methodologies, as well as my abilities in experimental design and data analysis. Additionally, collaborating in a diverse academic environment enhanced my English language proficiency, particularly in scientific communication and reporting.

I was responsible for the recreational department at the Student Association, where me and my team organized student gatherings and provided leisure and team-building opportunities for students. It was a fulfilling role, creating memorable moments of relaxation and enjoyment for our academic community.

During my first two years of undergraduate studies, I dedicated myself to volunteering at the Student Association, focusing on organizing and providing study materials for fellow students. It was a rewarding experience contributing to the academic community and supporting my peers in their educational journey.

I spent one week volunteering with a religious organization (Missão País), where I assisted people with disabilities. This experience was profoundly impactful for me as it provided me with invaluable insights into real-life social issues.