Zahirah Suhaimi

Department: Anthropology

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? 2021-22 Dr. Midori Arima Scholarship in Anthropology

When do you expect to graduate? June 2023

Where do you call home? I consider both Singapore and Alameda, CA my home.

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? Santa Cruz is known for creative and cutting-edge research, radical activism, and a collaborative atmosphere. Since being here, I’ve had the opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary training in critical theory and participate in numerous emerging research initiatives on campus, as well as with partner universities around the world.

What is your field of focus? Political and environmental anthropology

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? I hope to continue pursuing coastal research in some form, whether in academic, governmental, or non-profit institutions.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? Since my first quarter in Santa Cruz, there have been multiple student-led organized actions to demand a moratorium on tuition hikes, fair wages, better healthcare and childcare, environmental protection, indigenous rights, justice against anti-Black racism, and safety on campus. Coming from a place where public organizing and protest is illegal, participating in my first march across campus was memorable. I felt grateful for the opportunity to dissent and to know that we had the support of faculty and administrators, some of whom marched with us.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? Explore everything that Santa Cruz has to offer! Enjoy the natural environments of the forests, ocean, meadow, and tide pools. Participate in the many social, intellectual, and artistic events available on and off campus. Take a class outside of your major or specialization just because it sounds interesting and different.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? The scholarship will help offset childcare costs, allowing me to focus on completing my dissertation by June 2023.