Support Edna to start a Master's Degree in August in Europe

Greetings everyone,

My name is Edna Mary Díaz Negrón. I am originally from Orocovis, Puerto Rico. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Science from the University of Hilo, Hawaii.

In my early career, I was a wildlife technician where I gained experience with wildlife, natural resources management and conservation. During the last four years I have specialized in Aquaculture at different scales.

I was employed by Blue Ocean in Kailua Kona, Hawaii where I gained first hand experience working on the first open-ocean commercial mariculture farm in the United States producing Seriola Rivoliana (Longfin Yellowtail). I also managed a queen conch farm in Puerto Rico for conservation and educational work. Currently, I am managing and leading larval production for three species of sea urchins for a large scale restorative aquaculture project in Puerto Rico.

During my career as a marine biologist, I represented Puerto Rico in multiple national events. In 2023, I provided a presentation at the Aquaculture America Conference. In 2012, I represented Puerto Rico at the Ocean Science Meeting and was part of the multicultural travel award program.

Currently, I have been accepted as a scholar at the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Aquaculture, Environment and Society Program (EMJM ACES-STAR) for a period of two years starting in August, 2024. I am one of only 23 students chosen to be part of this program, and the *first Puerto Rican* to receive this scholarship. The program will run for two years which involve study periods in three different European countries (UK, Greece and France). This program will enable students to learn about different welfare models, teaching strengths and the experience of living in different cultures and societies.

The scholarship covers tuition and medical insurance. Unfortunately, the scholarship does not cover miscellaneous expenses that I would need to cover before starting in August. Some of the miscellaneous expenses include first few months of rent, winter clothing, textbooks, technical devices, background checks and medical tests, etc.

As a pioneer in my country, this advanced training would not only enhance my skills as an aquaculturist, but also gain extensive knowledge about global aquaculture. For this reason, I am humbling asking for your monetary support while I prepare for this incredible opportunity. Any help will be greatly appreciated. If you are not able to help monetarily at this time, please share this link with friends and family! If you have additional questions please contact me.

Sincerely,

Edna Mary Díaz Negrón