- D
- M
- D
From VSU to South Africa: Help me support this Future Neuroethologist’s Journey!
A DREAM IN MOTION
Since she was a child, Naomi has possessed a natural instinct for the animal kingdom. What began as a deep-seated love for animals has evolved into a rigorous career and academic pursuit. Now a Sophomore Animal Sciences major and scholar at Virginia State University, she has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to study The Big 5 this summer through the Field Study Abroad Wildlife Conservation Program, in collaboration with Michigan State University.
THE MISSION: PURSUIT & PURPOSE
This is more than a trip; it’s a two-week intensive field study in South Africa on the Makalali and Kruger reserves. This experience is a critical stepping stone toward her ultimate career goal: becoming a Wildlife Neuroethologist! She will be moving from the classroom to the wild, observing animal behavior and nervous systems in their natural habitats. How exciting!
WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
While her academic excellence earned her a scholarship, there are several "last mile" costs that remain. Our goal is to ensure she can focus entirely on her research and studies without financial barriers. As a single mother preparing to also send her youngest brother off to college in August, I’m feeling the grind of our family’s BIG goals to meet and with your support, we can secure this future for Naomi! Your support will help get her across the finish line.
Your contributions to Naomi’s journey will directly fund:
- International Travel & Insurance: Covering the remaining round-trip airfare and ground transportation.
- Field Research Tools: Necessary equipment for data collection and field observations.
- Health & Safety Essentials: Required vaccinations and specialized field gear (all-terrain boots, weather-appropriate utility wear, medical kit).
- Daily Needs: Meal supplements, optional excursions and living expenses during her two-week residency in-country.
We often talk about "it taking a village," and today, I am asking our village to help a dedicated and brilliant young woman scientist, who represents an illustrious HBCU, take flight!
Help her unlock the mysteries of the Big 5, from the social intelligence of the Lion to the legendary memory of the Elephant. Your support—whether through a donation or by sharing this link—helps honor her years of hard work and brings her one step closer to understanding the neural wonders of the wild, and protecting God’s most magnificent creatures.
THANK YOU for being part of her story and we can’t wait to share with you along her journey!
