Help Nia Move Cross Country to Grad School!

Hello! My name is Nia Burnett and I was very recently accepted into Savannah State University's Master of Science in Marine Sciences program!

It's been a long journey to get here, but I am so pleased and excited to finally move forward with my higher education to pursue my dream of becoming a marine biologist! With the training and education that comes with the next portion of my journey, I intend to give back to my community and my foundation of New Orleans. However, I need some extra help to make it through my move across the country as well as with paying for first semester expenses!

I got into marine biology in Mr. Bruno's third-grade class and was so completely enamored by the section on sharks in one of The Magic Schoolbus books, that I went home and sat my siblings down on the living room floor to teach them about what I learned in school that day. Marine biology has defined large portions of my personality since that day and whenever I had the opportunity to learn more, I took it and taught it to others. In a way, Joanna Cole, author of The Magic Schoolbus, and my teacher Mr. Bruno both introduced me to my life’s journey. I haven’t stopped talking about those sharks since.

Marine biology is near and dear to my heart and has been a part of my life since I was a child. Unfortunately, growing up from a coastal New Orleans background, that presence wasn’t always positive and I learned through surviving Hurricane Katrina as a young child that our ecosystems become more extreme with the more pressure we force them under. My experiences forced me to be gritty, crafty, and resourceful, and it set me straight on this path of studying our planet to help future generations.

I know far too well how urgent the constant need for scientists along our southern United States borders is. I am continuing my education so that one day, I can be one of the STEM professionals of the south who understands the complexities, the vulnerabilities, and the unique nature that makes up our southern coasts. Reinforcing and caring for these coasts are important for the protection and longevity of its people.

I am deeply grateful to have always been supported in my journey, but this time I need some extra help during these times. This GoFundMe is a great asset helping me with tuition, housing, supplies, field gear, and moving costs. Whatever aid you can help me out with will be greatly appreciated.

If you are unable to donate, please like, share, or comment to send me some support. :)

I graduated from Allegheny College in 2018 with my Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies where I was first introduced to Savannah State as a National Science Foundation (NSF) intern one summer. I knew I always wanted to continue my education but saw many barriers in doing so, whether it be financial constraints for research opportunities to gain more experience or feeling as if I didn't fit into this field correctly as a Black woman (that will never stop me, but it isn't easy). My family and I made it work every time, whether it was my mom, grandmother, and I making makeshift wetsuits from all kinds of materials because we couldn’t afford the real thing, or whether it was forcing myself into uncharted waters looking for different experiences to add to my resume (like hosting science shows at the Aquarium of the Pacific!) they always supported my drive. This time, I am asking for a little more help so that I can have an easier transition to this new chapter of my life. I want to help them send me off this time.

I am deeply grateful for my experiences and for where I am today, I am grateful for the continued support from all of my loved ones and community members, and I am proud that I have turned many lessons into applicable skills for how to navigate life in general. I am so excited for this next chapter in my life!! This journey didn’t start when I wanted it to, I kept forcing it to start faster, but it is starting where it needs to, and I thank you all for any help that you can provide me.

With gratitude,

Nia Burnett