A time for PhD organization to evolve

 
This month Giovane Moura, 29, was elected by his fellow board members as president of the PhD Network of the University of Twente (P-NUT). He talked about the challenges he faces and how life in the Netherlands compares to Brazil.
 
Moura hopes to receive his PhD in Design and Analysis of Communication Systems (DACS) from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science in 2012. He has participated in the European Network of Excellence for the Management of Internet Technologies and Complex Services (EMANICS) project, and his research topic focuses on identifying, analyzing and fighting the most malicious sub-networks on the internet called ‘Internet Bad Neighborhoods.’ Moura especially focuses on distributed attacks.
 
What do you hope to accomplish as the new P-NUT President?
Since its inception, P-NUT has been active in representing and helping the PhD community. We organize social activities along with information sessions on a spectrum of topics. Our membership has increased and interest in our activities. The next step is for P-NUT to become a formal organization, with registered members–what we call ‘professionalization.’
 
The whole board is motivated and working hard on this task and we have the full support of Rector Brinksma. We believe the professionalization of P-NUT is going to give us much more visibility and recognition.
 
How did you end up at the UT?
While working on my Masters in Brazil, I had the chance to work with two professors, Dr. Gaspary and Dr. Granville, who are active in the Computer Network Management community. In 2008, my current supervisor Dr. Aiko Pras from the UT visited our department in Brazil and gave a talk.
 
Dr. Pras is one of the most recognized researchers in this community, and his talk was one of the most interesting I’ve ever attended. Afterwards, I spoke with him, and he asked about my publications and if I had ever thought about doing a PhD abroad. That was a big surprise for me, and I became really excited about working with him.
 
How do you like the Netherlands? What don't you like?
Living abroad challenges you in many ways. You have to really push yourself, especially through the initial culture shock. However, in the end, you learn much more about your limits and it is a unique opportunity to grow.
 
Living close to German-Brazilian communities in Brazil helped me, since German and Dutch culture have many elements in common. I like how things are organized in the Netherlands, run on time, the people are respectful, and how here ‘everyone is equal.’ I have to say, however, Dutch cuisine is not very sophisticated, but that is not a problem for me.
 
What do you miss about Brazil?
My family and friends, most of all. Of course, I miss the weather, beaches, and living in a big city. And also my native language and culture—back home I know what to expect and how to behave in any situation.
 
Catherine Ann Lombard
 

Moura offers new foreign students some advice: ‘If you’re an expat, enjoy your experience as much as you can.’