We are thrilled to announce that three students have been awarded the Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship, enabling them to join the Gorongosa Interdisciplinary Field School in Human Evolution this year. The scholarship recipients are Bruno de Sousa and Catarina Coelho from Portugal, and Ester de Sousa Lourenço from Mozambique. Ester is returning to the field school as part of the research team, while Bruno and Catarina will be participating for the first time.
Empowering Future Scientists
The Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship provides crucial financial assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to afford field school tuition. Established by Leakey Foundation Life Trustee Joan Cogswell Donner, this scholarship aims to foster the development of future researchers in paleoanthropology, archaeology, and primatology. The scholarship covers up to $2,000 per student for one field school season, helping to cover travel expenses, living costs during fieldwork, and other essential expenses.
Field School Experience
Ester de Sousa Lourenço, who previously attended the Interdisciplinary Field School Gorongosa, will be returning this year as a researcher, bringing valuable experience and continuity to the program. For Bruno de Sousa and Catarina Coelho, this will be their first time attending the field school, where they will gain hands-on training in techniques related to archeology, paleoanthropology, and primatology.
About Joan Cogswell Donner
Joan Cogswell Donner has been a dedicated supporter of scientific research and education for many years. An alumna of Stephens College and Colorado College, she has served on various prominent boards and committees, including the Smithsonian Institution National Board and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Advisory Board. Her lifelong passion for human origins research was inspired by early childhood readings and personal experiences with fossil sites in Africa.
Through her scholarship program, Joan Cogswell Donner aims to enable young people from developing countries to pursue careers in paleoanthropology and primatology. Her vision is to provide opportunities that will ultimately benefit all of mankind by advancing our understanding of human origins and evolution.
Looking Forward
The participation of Bruno de Sousa, Catarina Coelho, and Ester de Sousa Lourenço in the Interdisciplinary Field School Gorongosa is a testament to the transformative power of education and support. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful to Joan Cogswell Donner and the Leakey Foundation for making this possible.
We look forward to the contributions these students will make in advancing research and inspiring future scientists. Their journey from students to researchers will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to many.