Graduating; please help me finish what I started.

Hi! I’m Fio, a passionate young woman in STEM, a biotechnology engineering student from Costa Rica, and a strong advocate for sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive scientific development.

Since I began my journey in science, my greatest dream has been to create real solutions that bring biotechnology to the service of people and the planet. That dream brought me to the United States in December 2024 as a Visiting Scholar, after five months of preparing and securing two competitive scholarships, the hands-on action started!

My graduation project, which is also the final requirement to earn my engineering degree, focuses on developing superabsorbent materials for hydroponic systems — a breakthrough technology that supports plant growth in water-scarce environments, with potential applications for climate-resilient agriculture and space exploration.

The project has already shown very promising results, but unfortunately, its start was delayed — and now, with only one last trial remaining, I urgently need two more months to finish what I started.

Without this extension, I risk not being able to graduate, despite all the progress, effort, and impact the project has shown. And more than that — I would be leaving behind a dream that means the world to me, just because of administrative limitations beyond my control.

The cost of extending my student program and staying to finish the research is $727 USD, plus basic expenses like food and housing for those final weeks. That's why I am aiming to raise a total of $2500. Due to the current funding restrictions for international students, I cannot receive additional institutional support — so I’m turning to my community, family, and friends.

This is more than just a project. It’s my contribution to climate resilience, a strategy that could benefit resource-limited communities on Earth and even support future missions to space. It's my degree and my future as a professional. But on a personal level, it’s also about walking away with dignity — knowing I gave everything, completed the dream, and honored the years of hard work behind it.

Being a woman in STEM, a leader, and a Latina scientist in spaces where we’re often underrepresented has never been easy — but I’ve always fought for my space with courage and conviction. I don’t want to leave this chapter unfinished, not because I failed, but because someone else can't see the worth of our hard work.

If you believe in the power of science, in the potential of young researchers, and in the importance of finishing what we start — I humbly ask for your support.

Every donation, every share, every kind word makes a difference.

From my heart, to my community here which I have grown to love — thank you.

Fio