Help me to overcome financial hardship to continue my PhD

Hi, my name is Mrunmay Sahasrabudhe, and I am currently in my second year of the PhD program in Computer Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU). My research focuses on Quantum Computing and Machine Learning—fields that drive innovation and have the potential to change the world. However, my path to this point hasn’t been easy.

Coming from a low-income family where my parents completed high school, I always knew that if I wanted to pursue higher education, I would have to find a way to fund it on my own. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I worked to finance my education, but the financial burden of my PhD has proven to be particularly tough.

Initially, my department agreed to provide full salary and full tuition support. However, in Fall 2024, due to unforeseen circumstances, the department decided to reduce my working hours and cut my tuition support by half. This has placed me in a difficult financial situation. I had relied on these funds to cover my tuition and living expenses, but now I am struggling to make ends meet. Additionally, my department also cut funding for my summer Teaching Assistant position, further compounding the challenge.

I wasn’t going to ask for help, but at this point, I see no way to escape this financial hardship. My last option would be to quit the PhD program, which I don’t want to do. I’ve already invested so much in this journey and have even published papers in my field (you can check them out here: Google Scholar .

This is where I need your help. I’m seeking financial support to cover my tuition and living expenses so that I can continue my research and finish my degree. Your contribution will help me stay in school and continue my work in the fields of Quantum Computing and Machine Learning.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for any support you can provide. Every donation, no matter the amount, brings me one step closer to achieving my goals.