HELP LALA GET TO BREMEN, GERMANY!

Hello! I am Lala Grace Calle and I am a scuba diver, conservationist and a Master's student studying Marine Biology at UP Diliman - The Marine Science Institute. My thesis paper was recently accepted at the 14th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS 2020) which is on July 5-10,2020.

As an aspiring scientist in this field, the ICRS Symposium is one of the biggest venues to share discoveries, data and discussions with other highly respectable scientists, co-researchers and other scientific enthusiasts.

I have always tried my best to represent the field that I am in, do good work, and strive to excel as a Filipino researcher. I have been to several conferences which I also shared knowledge about my work. Some are photos in conferences:

My experiment focuses on the biology and ecology of Cassis cornuta (Horned Helmet Shell).

They are actually protected under administrative orders in the Philippines, but are still used a souvenir product and being sold in different tourists spots.

This organism lacks research in the Philippines and have been reported to be decreasing in number. My study will help explore knowledge which is essential in conservation and future aquaculture efforts of the species.

Some of my experiments involve a lot of hours experimenting in the hatchery, taking photos and sometimes doing overnight observations. Here are some photos during my experiment. (Shoutout to Paolo Calalang for my photos!)

Although I was granted with funding for my experiments, there was no extra funds for me to use for conferences. Unfortunately, it has also been very difficult applying to grants and as a developing country it has always been limited for us Filipino scientists. So I am knocking on your doors if you could help me fund my expenses for my conference!

If you would like to support my work, please share or you may also donate to this fundraiser.

Thank you very much!

Salamat po!