Gifts to Global Water Research Institute - Meet Makayla contribute to...
Makayla ’23 had no idea that talking to a chemistry professor at Hope would lead to creating real change in a community halfway across the world.
“After talking to the professor, she recommended studying in a department that I was interested in,” says Makayla, a first generation college student. Always fascinated by political science, Makayla became excited to apply her knowledge of global health in a practical setting.
When she learned about Hope’s Global Water Research Initiative (GWRI), she knew she would be able to do just that.
GWRI enables water-centered research that can transform the health and well-being of local, regional and global communities.
GWRI prioritizes interdisciplinary, collaborative relationships with faculty and students. Makayla formed one of these relationships with Dr. Virginia Beard. Together, they studied water insecurities in Sub-Saharan Africa. “I’m looking at how water practices can improve the quality of life for people in this region,” Makayla says. “Currently, I’m doing background research to see best practices that have previously been done and add suggestions on what to improve,” she adds.
Through her time with Dr. Beard, Makayla has discovered the impact of research. She credits this with her academic and personal growth. “I’ve grown as a global citizen,” she shares. “I’ve been able to go to Kenya and apply my knowledge from the classroom to help others around me.”
Makayla plans on continuing her education by pursuing a master’s degree in higher education or non-profit administration. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have research on my resume before attending grad school,” she says.
She’s inspired by the generosity of GWRI’s donors. “Your donation is much appreciated, and I can't thank you enough for investing in my education,” she says.
On Day of Giving, your gifts to GWRI can help students like Makayla travel to areas of our world that are in need. You can provide safe drinking water to at-risk communities in the United States and around the world. How will you make a difference today?
