Density-functional theory for single-electron transistors

Abstract

I would like to open my huge list of acknowledgements by thanking my advisor, Prof. Luiz Nunes Oliveira. Luiz, with his knowledge, patience and kindness is one of the most special human beings I have ever met in my life. Along the past ten years, Luiz has not only taught me physics, he also showed me the value of learning. With his wizard tricks to make complicated things easy, Luiz inspired me the desire to learn to share knowledge with other people. I consider him more than a mentor: an academic father without whom I would not have achieved most of the victories I had. I feel fortunate to had the opportunity to start my academic journey under his supervision and I wish one day I could make him proud to have mentored me. Alongside with Luiz, my co-advisor, Prof. Irene D'Amico has a special place in my acknowledgements list. Irene is an example of researcher, advisor and person. With her ability of multitasking, Irene was able not only to advise me in research, but also to showed me the importance of having a balanced life. She is my academic mother, always careful with my well being and my progress as a PhD student. We probably will never forget that sleepless nights of March, the relief in the end, and our dream to celebrate together with maracuja caipirinhas. Irene was the major responsible for the little success I achieved this year. For me, Irene represents the figure of strong woman in Physics and I would like to thank her very much for receiving me as a supervisee and for being a supportive friend during the past four years. Besides the support of my academic parents, I am fortunate to have my family. Andressa, my beloved twin sister, is an inspiration for me: I consider her the copy "which worked". I have to confess that, sometimes, I could rely only on her success to be happy by myself. As all siblings, we had our fights and controversies, but we were always there for each other. Only we know the difficulties we had in our childhood and teenage and the meaning of reaching a PhD level. Our ties extend frontiers. I am really proud to see her now as a post-doc in Copenhagen after all the mess that happened last year. I am grateful for the few times she let me share my fears and made me calm. Equally important was the support of my mother, Jane and my aunt, Lelzinda. Zinda was one of the most important characters of my journey in science, always encouraging me and Andressa to study and to follow our dreams.