Help Paulina study at the University of Cambridge

Hi, my name is Paulina. I am a data scientist from Vilnius, Lithuania. This year I completed my undergraduate degree with honors and received an offer to continue my studies at the University of Cambridge.

About me

While it may seem unusual, my career as a mathematician began with inspiration. I was still in school, spending my day in the library as usual. I have been solving monotonous equations for a few hours and then decided to look for books that would dispel boredom. As I took more and more books in my hands and put them back, I was surprised to pick one and see the title "How Not to Be Wrong." I thought it was funny because it is impossible to come up with such a guideline. However, this was only the first part of the title. The second was "The Hidden Maths of Everyday Life." And in fact, it was hidden for me. I did not understand why the equations I was solving a few minutes ago were important because I could not imagine using them to solve a real problem. Then, reading the book, I realized that mathematics is beautiful and invaluable since it is a language that describes nature. It enables us to "understand the world in a deeper, sounder, and more meaningful way." And once you understand how something works, you can use that knowledge to make a change.

One of the increasingly threatening issues of today that need to be addressed is global warming. It is not yet known how to secure our future and what measures to take to be sure of our success. I have over two years of work experience in solving real problems in the field of marketing and the aforementioned inspiration did not fade, it is determined by the sense of usefulness. Data science is universal, it has a significant role to play in almost every field. I believe that the problem of global warming is the most important of all at the moment, and I am convinced that the synergies between data science and environmental science could make a big difference. Achieving this goal would be the most rewarding. In light of this, I chose to study at the University of Cambridge, because of the available courses on this topic and for the opportunity to gain international experience, collaborate with like-minded and environmental scientists as well as learn about the latest discoveries in the field.

Connection with Lithuania

These ideas are important to the whole world, but another personal reason for my career choices is the consequences of global warming for my home country. Agriculture is very important for Lithuania, and due to such a rapidly changing climate - extreme temperatures, intermediate droughts, new types of pests - farmers face more and more challenges. The course I have chosen is theoretical - mathematical models are examined fundamentally, which would enable me to do research and solve problems that have not yet been encountered, which can be expected in the near future in relation to nature. After my studies, I intend and even am committed to returning to my homeland - a small recently regained Lithuania, where I hope to join the sparse ranks of researchers in the mentioned field.

Women in mathematics

These ranks are further narrowed when gender is taken into account. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields are often considered masculine, and women are significantly underrepresented, accounting for only 28% of the workforce. As a result, girls see fewer examples of women scientists or engineers in the media or books that would inspire their interest in these areas, consequently, the situation remains the same. I want to break the existing or perceived barriers existing today for women in STEM and prove that women and capable of making a significant, meaningful, and sizeable impact on advancing science in the field of mathematics.

Why I started this fund

Currently, I have only received partial funding for my studies. During my studies, I intend to cover my own living expenses, however, I need support for the rest of the fees for my studies. Since my family is unable to support me financially and I am not eligible for a student loan, I am hoping for noble strangers' help.

Thank you for your time and help.

Paulina