Help create a scientist - support Michael Murunga from Kenya undertake a PhD in Australia

Help create a scientist - support Michael Murunga from Kenya undertake a PhD in Australia

From Gretta Pecl

Michael is a promising young marine scientist from Kenya, recently awarded a competitive PhD scholarship to study in Australia. BUT he needs to pay medical insurance of $19,000 up front before he can apply for his visa!

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Update #3

almost 5 years ago

Thank you everyone, we did! Together with your help, and some other funds we managed to scrape together, we have managed to pay the health insurance and Michael now qualifies for his visa and can accept the PhD scholarship offer! Much thanks!!

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Michael grew up in Sub-Saharan Africa, where he saw endless possibilities to both human suffering, political unrest and a society riddled with problems.  In 1995, at the age of 6, his farmer parents instilled in him a love for science and geography. Michael was a bright student and in 2009 his village came together to send him to uni - people sold their cattle, vegetables and part of the communal land to help him. In 2013, he became the first in his village to graduate from a University, a feat that has raised hope for many and inspired others that circumstances can be changed when people come together. 

Michael applied for a PhD scholarship in my lab at IMAS UTAS but to be eligible to apply for his visa, to accept his offer, he has to pay full medical insurance for 5 years up front! Throughout his career Michael has dedicated himself to developing pragmatic approaches for local-level conservation efforts. Now he wants to further explore how to conduct effective science communication and engagement so he can continue helping coastal communities around the world. 

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Gretta Pecl posted a new update:
almost 5 years ago

Update #3

Thank you everyone, we did! Together with your help, and some other funds we managed to scrape together, we have managed to pay the health insurance and Michael now qualifies for his visa and can accept the PhD scholarship offer! Much thanks!!

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Gretta Pecl posted a new update:
about 5 years ago

Update #2

I'm so thrilled with all the support. It's especially great to see past and current students help out so generously!! We have one month left to go and I'm confident that with everyone's help we will get there :)

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Gretta Pecl posted a new update:
about 5 years ago

Update #1

We've passed 25%!!!! Thank you so much everyone, that is fantastic. I've honestly been very chuffed at the support. You have all been so generous!

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