Meet the Moebus Scholars: Scholarship helps Rayburn pursue oceanography dreams

“Oceanographer” might not come to mind as a career opportunity after graduating from Montana Technological University. The nearest ocean is 600 miles away, but one sophomore chemistry student plans to leverage a high-quality education made possible by the Marie Moebus Presidential Scholarship to pursue his dreams on the high seas.

Nathan Rayburn, of Lima, has always been curious about the science surrounding the ocean's depths. His career goal is to earn a Ph.D. and pursue a research career in oceanography.

“I had always been interested in marine science, but I did not have the means to attend any schools that offered it as an undergraduate degree,” Rayburn said. “After switching between a couple of different majors, I finally landed on chemistry because it gives me a great foundation for an advanced degree in my area of interest.”

Rayburn received the Marie Moebus Presidential Scholarship, Montana Tech’s most prestigious and competitive award, which is a combination of a tuition waiver and cash and is renewable for up to four years.

“The Moebus Scholarship is one of the main reasons I was able to come to Tech in the first place,” Rayburn said. “It has eased my financial burden, which has allowed me to focus more on my studies and research.”

Rayburn has enjoyed his time at Montana Tech so far.

“I have enjoyed going on environmental sampling trips with LEGEND (Laboratory Exploring Geobiochemical Engineering and Natural Dynamics) throughout the year, even when the weather has been less than cooperative,” Rayburn said. “It has been nice meeting new people and sharing my interests with them. The skiing around the area has been amazing as well.”

He recommends Montana Tech and the Moebus Scholarship to prospective students.

“If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship, apply for it,” Rayburn said. “You should not leave any opportunities on the table. If someone decides to attend Montana Tech, they should know that people are there to help them succeed. Whether it be peers or staff, everyone is willing and ready to give a helping hand.”