Help Me: Marine Ecology Research at the University of Cambridge

Study Abroad

Marine Ecology Research at the University of Cambridge

What I'm Fundraising For

I am so excited to have recently been accepted to the University of Cambridge where I will spend my gap year earning an MPhil in Zoology! This program will start October 1st, 2017, but the offer is conditional until I can prove that I have the means to fund myself for the year. I will be conducting research with Dr. David Aldridge on freshwater mussels (both native and invasive) living in two, main British waterways: the Thames and the Medway, and will be living at Churchill College within Cambridge. Our lab work will mainly take place in the David Attenborough Building, which not only has a new aquatic lab ideal for my research, but also fosters a community-centered atmosphere allowing graduate students and professors from conservation science and zoology to collaborate! You can learn more about my program and all of the details here - http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blzompbsc

Why This Is Important To Me:

As a Biology major still unsure of the exact field I want to work in, I was advised over and over again to take a gap year, explore the world, and delve into new fields of Biology to find out what I love! Working at the University of Cambridge with Dr. Aldridge will provide me with the unparalleled opportunity to explore new ecosystems, work with conservation ecology professionals, and grow as a leader and ecologist. This experience will definitely help develop my understanding of ecosystem functions and interactions, thus equipping me with the necessary skills, knowledge, and contacts to restore and conserve environments in the future! Branching out to international research will provide me with a broader, more diverse perspective surrounding this type of work, and will define my future research aspirations!

How I Will Use The Funds:

The total program cost for international students is VERY EXPENSIVE (about $50,000 total). I am currently on a fund-searching frenzy trying to scrap together enough money to make this dream of mine become a reality. I have applied to a few fellowships and scholarships, but have not had any luck so far. Since getting into Cambridge was a challenge upon itself, I am doing everything in my power to make this work. Regardless of how much I raise, I will certainly be taking out a decent amount of money in loans in order to go. However, I am asking for your support to help me raise $5,000 for travel expenses to and from the UK and for housing while I am at Cambridge. I will honestly be grateful for every dollar put toward my trip! Thank you for helping me to achieve this dream!

 

Strategy & Perks


My Strategy To Reach This Goal:

I know $5,000 seems like a large amount, but any size contribution is GREATLY appreciated. If just 250 people donated $20 to my Cambridge fund, I'd reach the goal! The GoEnnounce platform also makes it really easy for you to help me spread the word about this goal via Facebook or email, so PLEASE share, share, share if you know of anyone who might be willing to help me out!

Perks:

If I am able to raise enough money to attend Cambridge, I will definitely keep you all updated while I am abroad by posting tons of pictures and my research projects on social media! This way you will be able to see how your donations have really helped and how much I am enjoying this once in a lifetime experience.

 

No updates have been posted for this mission.

Sherry Shay's Avatar
Sherry ShayMar 3, 2017 @ 13:18 Congratulations on being named Abroad101's Student of the Week. We hope our donation helps you achieve your goal! We'd love if you left a review on our site when you return. Good Luck.
Sydney Lundquist's Avatar
Sydney LundquistMar 3, 2017 @ 13:54 Thank you so much! You're donation pushed me past the $1,000 breaking point! Your program is amazing, and I am so grateful for people like you guys dedicated to helping students achieve their dreams.
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