African Influence in Medicinal Plants
Donation protected
Hello
Everyone!
My name is Maureen and I am first year graduate student at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. I moved out here with my four year old daughter to pursue my educational goals of getting a master's in hope to continue on for a doctorate. I have been blessed with a fellowship for this past year which has helped pay tuition and provided a stipend for living expenses. However, one of the stipulations of the fellowship is that I am not allowed to get a job which has financially impeded my graduate research goals.
The Research!
For a long time now, I have been interested in tropical rainforests, ethnobotany (the ways in which people use plants), cultures, the African Diaspora, medicinal plants, and geography. Recent studies have begun to illustrate how African botanical knowledge was fundamental in the creation of African Diaspora communities and remains culturally important today. The research I want to pursue for my thesis would take me to the Commonwealth of Dominica for five weeks this summer (2013). As a geography graduate student I wish to highlight the cultural traditions and knowledge associated with medicinal plant on the island. The proposed research will identify and classify plants sold in the markets of Dominica to better understand the importance of specific species, as well as to identify any links between African cultural traditions and those medicinal plants that continue to be relevant today.
The Benefits!
Medicinal plants have been studied predominantly in rural areas of the island, and this proposed study will provide insight into both availability and use within the urban areas. The unique cultural history and topography of this island will be examined through medicinal plant use, demonstrating cultural viability. The islands economy has become more dependent on tourism since the collapse of the banana industry (post 1994/NAFTA), touting itself as an eco-tourist destination. Traditional herbal medicine is something that Dominica can highlight and use in attracting tourists. More broadly, this research will contribute to the literature about human-plant relationships and medicinal plant use within urban centers, as well as further our understanding of cultural adaptations to the environment among the African Diaspora communities in the Caribbean.
The Cost!
The total cost for this research project is $3000. In order to graduate next May we need to conduct research this summer. Part of the reason for me being in graduate school is because I believe it is extremely important to follow your dreams. Now that I have daughter it is even more critical to me because if I do not pursue my goals and follow my passion then what will she do. I want her to know that if she is passionate about something, whatever it is, she should go for it no matter what. For me, it has been school. It took me two different attempts of applying for graduate schools to get accepted, but I did and here I am, and it is something that I am very proud of. However, now I need some help. The money I have received from the stipends was used for living expenses. I have applied for three different educational grants but as of yet have not been awarded them. I am passionate about this research and helping others. Thus, any help you can provide to make this project happen is appreciated!
My name is Maureen and I am first year graduate student at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. I moved out here with my four year old daughter to pursue my educational goals of getting a master's in hope to continue on for a doctorate. I have been blessed with a fellowship for this past year which has helped pay tuition and provided a stipend for living expenses. However, one of the stipulations of the fellowship is that I am not allowed to get a job which has financially impeded my graduate research goals.
The Research!
For a long time now, I have been interested in tropical rainforests, ethnobotany (the ways in which people use plants), cultures, the African Diaspora, medicinal plants, and geography. Recent studies have begun to illustrate how African botanical knowledge was fundamental in the creation of African Diaspora communities and remains culturally important today. The research I want to pursue for my thesis would take me to the Commonwealth of Dominica for five weeks this summer (2013). As a geography graduate student I wish to highlight the cultural traditions and knowledge associated with medicinal plant on the island. The proposed research will identify and classify plants sold in the markets of Dominica to better understand the importance of specific species, as well as to identify any links between African cultural traditions and those medicinal plants that continue to be relevant today.
The Benefits!
Medicinal plants have been studied predominantly in rural areas of the island, and this proposed study will provide insight into both availability and use within the urban areas. The unique cultural history and topography of this island will be examined through medicinal plant use, demonstrating cultural viability. The islands economy has become more dependent on tourism since the collapse of the banana industry (post 1994/NAFTA), touting itself as an eco-tourist destination. Traditional herbal medicine is something that Dominica can highlight and use in attracting tourists. More broadly, this research will contribute to the literature about human-plant relationships and medicinal plant use within urban centers, as well as further our understanding of cultural adaptations to the environment among the African Diaspora communities in the Caribbean.
The Cost!
The total cost for this research project is $3000. In order to graduate next May we need to conduct research this summer. Part of the reason for me being in graduate school is because I believe it is extremely important to follow your dreams. Now that I have daughter it is even more critical to me because if I do not pursue my goals and follow my passion then what will she do. I want her to know that if she is passionate about something, whatever it is, she should go for it no matter what. For me, it has been school. It took me two different attempts of applying for graduate schools to get accepted, but I did and here I am, and it is something that I am very proud of. However, now I need some help. The money I have received from the stipends was used for living expenses. I have applied for three different educational grants but as of yet have not been awarded them. I am passionate about this research and helping others. Thus, any help you can provide to make this project happen is appreciated!
Organizer
Maureen Meyer
Organizer
Albuquerque, NM