Aid a Student's Shark Conservation Study in South Africa

I'm an undergraduate student at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences studying Marine Biology, Biological Oceanography, and Fisheries Management.

My passion is studying marine fauna/megafauna, specifically sharks! I have had a love for sharks since I was a child, when I caught a Lemon Shark pup off the coast of Maryland. Since that day, I've worked tirelessly on my education in my pursuit of research and conservation of fish, the ocean, and specifically these amazing predators.

Recently, I was accepted into a shark-focused diving program in South Africa, in Mossel Bay. This month-long program (during the entirety of June 2025) is dedicated to the study and conservation of sharks as well as the mastery of diving safety and technique. It costs roughly $4000 - without factoring in travel costs, food costs, money lost from missing work, and equipment maintenance.

Cost/Goal Breakdown:

Though I currently work two part-time jobs (one in customer service, the other as a research assistant/technician) and have worked and saved for years, I don't have the financial confidence to pursue this opportunity with my current funds. I humbly ask for contributions to this educational pursuit - thank you!