Help Madi Stay in Science after a PhD Dismissal

Hi, I'm Madi. I'm a PhD student who was recently dismissed from my graduate program at the end of my first year under deeply unfair circumstances--largely due to the current Administration's significant cuts on science funding. My story has reached over 555,000 people on TikTok. The support has been overwhelming.

What most people don’t know is that my $2,800/month stipend ended on June 30. That was my last paycheck. I was never formally told when my pay would stop, but when I received my dismissal letter, it confirmed that the stipend was over immediately that day.

I’m now in appeal of the dismissal, but I have no income as I am met with career transitions and next steps. I’m preparing for the possibility that I may need to relocate for a job or a new PhD opportunity.

I’m sharing this because I believe in transparency and in the power of community, especially for those of us who’ve fought like hell to make it in science.

My Journey to a PhD:

I’ve spent the last several years working toward a research career. I put myself through a biochemistry degree while commuting over an hour and a half weekly and living between two cities to work in a medical campus lab while attending undergrad lab classes at the same time. I paid for my own community college and undergraduate degree. I’ve done tons of neuroscience outreach, attended national conferences, and poured my energy into becoming the kind of scientist who builds bridges between communities and ideas, and pays it forward.

But Academia doesn’t always support people with nontraditional paths. I built my career as a lifeline out of significant family abuse and trauma, and kept going. I did everything I could with the resources I had. And when systemic barriers, like the lack of clear mentorship and severe funding cuts, got in the way, I was pushed out of this space instead of pulled in.

In June 2025, I was dismissed from my PhD program, with the termination of my stipend effective the same day.

I’m actively appealing the decision. I’m meeting with another graduate program that may allow me to continue my research. I am not done yet.

This GoFundMe is to help me survive this transition: to cover rent, basic expenses, and give me breathing room while I fight for my place in science.

Why I’m Asking for Help:

I never imagined having to crowdfund my PhD, but I believe people should know how fragile academia really is for students without a financial safety net to fall back on. I’m raising funds to stay afloat while appealing this decision and continuing my work in research.

Your support will help me:

Science is at risk of losing a creative, driven, dynamic researcher. But I’m still here fighting not just for myself, but for every student who’s ever felt disposable in a system that overlooks us and lets young professionals fall through the cracks.

If you can donate, share, or send words of encouragement, it means the world.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and believing in me.

In gratitude,

Madi

TikTok Dismissal Video:

https://www.tiktok.com/@madi__sun/video/7521837343091789086

TikTok: @Madi__Sun

Check out my book, Unbecoming, a Personal Guide in Psilocybin Microdosing:

https://www.amazon.com/Unbecoming-personal-guide-psychedelic-healing/dp/B0BW2RSM9V

Note:

Any funds I receive beyond what I need for rent, moving costs, or stability will be shared with fellow students who were also dismissed and are facing financial hardship. I know I’m not the only one going through this, and I want to support others who are also trying to rebuild after this painful and disruptive experience.