Keep My Science Journey Alive with Support

Aleksandr Vankov is organizing this fundraiser.

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Help Aleksandr Continue Education at Columbia University – Support the Dream of Transforming Science and Technology

From being nobody to pursuing a degree at Columbia University; from graduating high school 25 years ago to becoming a student and research assistant at Columbia University. My journey has been highly non-traditional. After facing numerous obstacles, I am now working hard to push the boundaries of science and technology studying extensive STEM courses, with the hope of creating lasting positive change in the world.

However, I am currently facing a challenge that might end my educational and research journey. Despite my best efforts, I am struggling to raise the necessary funds to continue at Columbia University. I have done many things to fix the situation, and nothing was successful so far. Please read about my efforts below.

I have completed 2 years of STEM coursework. Yet, the financial burden of continuing my education is overwhelming. My tuition and living expenses for the upcoming academic year exceed $43,000, and I have no financial safety net and very low income, below the poverty line. Without immediate support, I will be forced to leave my education behind.

The situation is due to an insufficient scholarship from Columbia University and failed efforts to increase it or obtain additional funding. Why Columbia? Among the best universities in the world, only Columbia GS admits non-traditional students to the same program as Columbia College's program. But Columbia GS often awards low scholarships.

My Story and Goals

My path in science and technology started with a deep intent to make a meaningful impact on human longevity and robotics.

I dream of founding a company that produces domestic robots for households, making everyday life easier for everyone. I've already started this journey by building a walking bipedal robot and studying robotics, but there's still much more to do.
In addition, I am dedicated to applying biological sciences to improve human health and longevity. I have completed basic courses in biochemistry and molecular biology, but I still need advanced education, upper-level courses and laboratory classes to continue my work. I aim to help extend life and improve the quality of life for people through scientific innovation.

As a STEM student at Columbia, ⚛️ I have completed 2 years of courses in Math, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Computer Science. Along the way, I've made the Dean's List in 2024 and contributed to open-source, academic, and other projects. Please read about them below.

The Challenge I'm Facing

Despite working hard and applying for scholarships, grants, and internships, none of them worked out, and my financial aid appeal was denied. I was working in a research lab (Biology at Physical Extremes) at Columbia University, with an income that only partially covered food and other necessities. But now any funding was ceased, and only free and unpaid work is offered to me at Columbia research labs.

What I have done that did not work:

❌ Financial aid appeal at Columbia GS – denied
❌ Columbia GS scholarship – limited, not meeting the need
❌ Transfer applications to need-aware colleges – rejected
❌ Internship that was agreed and planned – canceled
❌ Internships anywhere else – not secured
❌ Funding at Columbia research labs – not available
❌ External scholarships – applied to many, got 0

How You Can Help

I am asking for your support to raise the necessary funds to cover my housing, tuition, and fees at Columbia. With your help, I can continue my education and work toward my long-term goals in robotics and biological sciences. Here's how you can help:

Donate – every contribution, no matter how small, brings me closer to reaching my goal
Share ️ – please share this campaign with your network to help me reach more people who may be able to help
Reach out (my Linkedin profile, or Instagram) – your encouragement, advice, or words of support mean a lot to me

The Financial Breakdown

The total amount I need to raise is $43,000:

$25,000 for tuition and fees
$18,000 for housing and living expenses

Why This Matters

This isn't just about continuing my studies. It's about building a future where I can contribute to life-changing innovations in science and technology. The support I receive today will have a lasting impact not just on my education, but on my ability to make a meaningful difference in the world.

My vision will remain the same throughout my entire educational journey. Therefore, your help can make a significant impact.

Examples of my Accomplishments:

MySMMAI Studio. Developed the backend and frontend of an AI Instagram post generator.
Nix Robot. Designed, built, and programmed a walking and speaking robot.
Markov Robot. Authored the idea and assembled the team to make a 3D simulation; developed a Markov chain mathematical model that implements a decision-making algorithm
Electronic Document Management System. Created project management software for teamwork (Tasks, Documents, Employees, Departments, Projects, Kanban).
SQLA Golang library. Developed an ORM-like library in Golang compatible with five different RDBMS: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite.

Thank You

Your support—whether through donating, ️ sharing, or simply offering words of encouragement—will help me continue my journey toward transforming science and technology. Please consider donating and sharing this with your network.

Thank you for believing in my mission and for helping me take the next step toward achieving my dream.