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• Find Your Perfect PhD
• Finding a PhD

Find Your PhD, Fast Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest. Search Now

• When looking for PhD research projects, a great place to start is with our comprehensive and up-to-date database .
• Speak with lecturers within your area of interest about potential PhD opportunities they may have.
• Attend Postgraduate Events . Whilst there, speak to current PhD students and career advisors to get an awareness of what PhD projects are on offer.
• Visit the postgraduate section of university websites and the PhD Research Council section of the GOV.UK website

Finding A PhD

Searching for PhD research projects can sometimes feel like daunting process. Often, it’s difficult to know where to find a PhD position or where to even start.

To make this searching process as easy as possible for you, we’ve curated a collection of the best places to search for PhD projects. By using our recommended collection, you should hopefully gain a greater insight into where your interests lie and which programme is best suited for you.

Our Comprehensive and Up-To-Date Directory

We can’t create a list of great resources and not include ourselves! At DiscoverPhDs, our primary aim is to connect great students to great PhD projects. To enable this, we provide a comprehensive database of PhD projects offered from universities all across the UK.

We regularly add to our database to ensure you’re getting the latest opportunities and the most relevant information and programme details. On top of this, we’ve created our database to be as easy to use as possible; all our PhD listings provide a direct ‘apply’ link or contact email address of the lead supervisor. This enables you to:

• Request further information about any aspect of the position,
• Enquire about the specific applications process,
• Connect directly with the supervisor

Universities Websites

Search on the website of the universities you are interested in as some many only be listing PhD research projects internally or may link you to other opportunities such as Professional Doctorate Programmes. As examples, have a look at the research pages of The University of Cambridge , Cardiff University , University of Leicester , Sheffield University and The University of Glasgow .

Your Current Supervisor

If you’re currently undertaking a research project or dissertation as part of your undergraduate or master’s degree, it would be a good idea to speak to your current supervisor. Not only would you have already built a good rapport with them, but having worked with you they will have a good idea on what PhD positions would utilise your strengths or best interest you. In fact, a noticeable percentage of past and current PhD students came into their PhD programme because of being recommended by their undergraduate supervisor. Your supervisor will be well-connected – make sure you take advantage of these opportunities.

Tip: Don’t just limit your discussion to your own personal supervisor. All supervisors are within their field of work because they have a natural passion for research and teaching. As such, most supervisors will be more than happy to help any student who wishes to follow in their footsteps and make their own impact.

Postgraduate Events

Nearly all universities hold regular Postgraduate Fairs and Open Days. As part of these events, current postgraduate students may be on hand to share their experiences of their projects and university. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only find out what PhDs the university is offering but to find out more about their facilities, research labs and library collection, etc. Given that you will be heavily relying on these resources during your PhD, it’s important that you know what’s provided by each university. Hearing student stories about what PhD life is really like, what to expect from supervisors and some of the challenges that current students have encountered can be really useful in your decision making process.

Besides the above, career advisers may also be available at these events. Speaking to them will help you understand what you can do with a PhD, whether a PhD is right for you, what degree class you’re expected to hold and how best to prepare for research projects. Seeing as they would have helped many PhD candidates through the decision-making process before, they will provide you with some invaluable insight that you would otherwise be oblivious to.

To help bring all Postgraduate Fairs and Open Days offered across all universities together, we’ve created a helpful Postgraduate Events page which we highly recommend you check out.

Research Councils

Research councils are nationally funded agencies which offer sponsored PhD research projects (also known as a PhD studentship). Different research councils cover different areas of research, these include:

• The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC),
• The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC),
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC),
• The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC),
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

The GOV.UK website has a full list of nationally-funded research councils available online. You can find further details on these councils on the GOV.UK website.

Although our database includes PhD programmes offered by these research councils, it would be a good idea to regularly browse the website of the ones you are particularly interested in case they list some internal only. These councils play an important role in supporting and encouraging doctoral researchers and they regularly hold calls for applications for PhD funding. If you or your potential supervisor have a PhD project proposal defined but need funding, then applying to these calls may become a key first milestone in your postgraduate research journey.

For example, the EPSRC offers a Doctoral Training Partnership programme in which a research student is given funding to pursue postgraduate study with a research question that aligns with the Councils core engineering and physical sciences themes. These awards often have eligibility criteria linked to them, impacting which postgraduate research students can apply; an international student, for example, may not be able to apply to a certain UK based scholarship scheme but there are several other options that can still help you fund your doctoral research; this may involve taking out a postgraduate loan (or more specifically a postgraduate doctoral loan).

To make this searching process as easy as possible for you, we’ve curated a collection of the best places to search for a PhD. By using our recommended collection, you should hopefully gain a greater insight into where your interests lie and which programme is best suited for you.

Further Resources

As you continue your search of PhD research projects, be sure to check our our PhD advice articles, including how to prepare for your PhD application, and interviews with current and past doctoral students. Many of the people we’ve interviewed have completed degrees within a STEM discipline; they offer a wide range of advice on their individual approaches to applied research and independent study, as well as sharing some the impact their work has had. Many have continued the research of their projects within academia after finishing, whilst some have developed successful careers in industry and business sectors.

It’s worth noting that when you apply to undertake doctoral study, you may first be registered as an MPhil researcher, depending on the specific doctoral programme you apply for, officially become a full PhD student after passing an upgrade viva. At the upgrade stage, some students do decide to graduate with an MPhil research degree rather than pursuing further PhD study however this is less common.

We hope the above list will help you find the perfect PhD position and earn your doctoral degree.

If you have any recommendations besides these resources, please let us know at [email protected] so we can look to add it.

If you’re ready to start your search for your PhD, start now with our  PhD database .

Browse PhDs Now

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Evaluates the wearable biosensors capability to monitor and detect a broad range of physical and mental health conditions and lifestyle factors in real time that are personalized to each person’s goals and/or conditions.

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Understand how childhood experiences and current stress affect people’s physical and mental health, and what can be done to increase resilience.

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PhDs by country

Home to some of the world’s most historic universities, the UK is also a popular postgraduate destination.

Nicknamed ‘the land of ideas’, Germany’s low tuition fees and excellent universities attract plenty of international PhD students.

Offering internationally-recognised universities in vibrant and welcoming cities, Canada is a great choice for a PhD abroad.

Australian universities are world-renowned, whilst the country’s climate and lifestyle offer plenty of other incentives for international students.

New Zealand

Universities in New Zealand are globally recognised as top research centres. Better yet, international PhD students pay the same fees as home students.

With famous student cities like Paris and affordable tuition fees, France is a great choice for postgraduate study abroad.

With historic universities and a famously welcoming culture, the Republic of Ireland is an excellent (and popular) choice for PhD study abroad.

With over 2,000 universities providing postgraduate degrees, it’s no wonder the USA is the world’s most popular study abroad destination.

More on FindAPhD

Postgraduate Advice

Want to know more about doing a PhD or how to find the right supervisor? Maybe you want to know about the different types of PhD or how to find funding. Read our PhD advice articles to help you through your PhD journey.

Country Guide

Interested in studying abroad but not sure what to expect? We have a growing number of country guides to help you with everything from fees to accommodation, language tests to careers and employment.

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If you would like to receive the latest information on postgraduate studentships and PhD opportunities direct to your inbox, please click the button below to sign up, and also find out more about our £5,000 postgraduate scholarship.

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Graduate School of Life Sciences

At the start of your PhD journey, it is mandatory to register in MyPhD, the official PhD candidate tracking system of Utrecht University. It is important to register as soon as possible. This applies to all categories of PhD candidates (see Categories of PhD candidates ).

All the formal stages of your PhD journey will be recorded in MyPhD in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the Board for the Conferral of Doctoral Degrees. You will be able to monitor your progress. Supplements may be entered during the course of your PhD journey. Please see the latest version of the manual for more information.

Via MyPhD you are also able to register yourself to the Graduate School of Life Sciences. This is one of the fields to be filled out in the registration form. In addition, please select one of our 15 PhD programmes in the field 'PhD program'.

Documents needed for registration

You need to have the following documents and information when registering in MyPhD:

• An electronic copy of your most relevant diploma, including the name of the institute, type of degree programme, type of diploma and date of diploma. If you have questions about the validity of foreign or other diplomas, please contact the Admissions Office ( [email protected] ).
• An electronic copy of a valid ID. If you wish, you may make your Citizens Service Number (BSN) illegible on the copy. Rijksoverheid.nl describes how to make a secure copy of your ID (only in Dutch).
• The working title of your doctoral thesis. You can adjust this at any stage of your PhD journey.
• Information concerning the members of your supervisory team. The particular information of supervisors with an employment contract at Utrecht University is automatically completed by MyPhD. For supervisors outside Utrecht University, you have to fill in the details yourself. These include full name, initials, title, name of institute, address of institute and e-mail address.
• Information concerning your independent advisor(s) .
• The PhD programme you will join. In MyPhD you have to select the Graduate School of Life Sciences and the PhD programme you will join (field ‘PhD program’).

Keyusers MyPhD

For more information regarding your registration in MyPhD, please contact your faculty keyuser for MyPhD (faculty to which your first promotor is affiliated). For more information about technical matters, please contact the IT Service Centre (ict-servicedesk[at]uu.nl; +31 (0)30 253 45 00).

Keyuser Faculty of Medicine/UMC Utrecht:

Renée Allebrandi - R.Allebrandi[at]umcutrecht.nl Research Office - gnkpromoties[at]umcutrecht.nl

Keyuser Faculty of Science:

Please contact the Management/Office Assistant of your department: Biology: Barbara Hendricx - biologie[at]uu.nl Pharmaceutical Sciences: Anja Elbertse Chemistry/Bijvoet Centre: Pauline van Elsdingen - science.MyPhD.chem[at]uu.nl

Keyuser Faculty of Veterinary Medicine:

Elisabeth Nagy, Jantine van Herk - dgkprom[at]uu.nl

Utrecht University Heidelberglaan 8 3584 CS Utrecht The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)30 253 35 50

UC Berkeley firebomb suspect, 34, lives with parents, has PhD

• Copy link to this article

Casey Goonan was arrested Monday morning at his parents’ $1.1 million home in Pleasant Hill on suspicion of a string of arson attacks at UC Berkeley from June 1 to 16.

Feds, cops and CalFire allege the 34-year-old, a Northwestern University doctorate of African American studies, firebombed a Berkeley campus police car and carried out three other arson incidents on university grounds June 1, as well as last Thursday and Sunday.

Charges were filed Thursday by the Alameda District Attorney’s Office. The felony charges include arson, weapons offenses, possession of a “destructive device,” and violent conduct.

“He will enter a not guilty plea and fight these charges,” his attorney, Jeff Wozniak, said Friday. “No evidence has been presented yet connecting him to these allegations.”

Wozniak confirmed multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, raided the home where Goonan lives with his parents in Pleasant Hill at around 10 a.m. Monday morning. A bio from a 2018 academic journal states Goonan “considers himself a scholar-activist” and an aspiring professor. No social media profiles, including LinkedIn, could be found for Goonan. 

“Casey got his PhD! Onto job apps,” Goonan’s mother wrote in a 2022 Instagram post. He previously completed his undergraduate degree at UC Riverside.

Another bio from 2019 described Goonan as an “abolitionist currently living and working in Chicago.”

In online articles, Goonan has described the United States as a “god-awful fascist hell hole” where social injustices are “concealed under the blinders of white supremacist American reason.”

One magazine article titled “Defining Social Reality in a Revolutionary Way” praises the Black Panther Party for establishing “a blueprint for U.S.-based radical organizations experimenting with the scientific, premeditated, and necessarily methodical artistry of social revolution.”

Posts online claiming credit for the torchings point to acts being carried out in protest of the war in Gaza. The Indybay.org post from Sunday titled “retaliation arson attack on construction site at university of kkkalifornia berkeley,” claimed the pro-Palestine group going by the handle Marilyn’s Daughters had looted a university supply building of “thousands of dollars,” firebombed a police car, carried out “experimental burning of dry grass hills on the interior of campus,” torched a building on the campus perimeter, and set fire to a construction site.  

“This was done to further retaliate against the UCPD for attacking students at UCSC and UCLA,” the post states. 

Another post claiming credit for a firebombing writes, “EVERY SINGLE BUILDING ON THE UC BERKELEY CAMPUS DESERVES TO BE INCINERATED.”

“This is a political investigation,” said Wozniak in an email before charges were filed by the district attorney. “It is an investigation focused on Mr. Goonan’s political beliefs in a free Palestine and against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. If charges are filed, Mr. Goonan’s legal team will aggressively fight the charges. It is my hope, however, that [District Attorney Pamela Price] does not engage in this political persecution, does not file charges and that Mr. Goonan is released from jail.”

Wozniak said the search warrant specifically sought “documents related to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.”

Wozniak is already defending Goonan in a San Francisco felony vandalism case. Prosecutors say Goonan wielded a hammer during a protest outside the Women’s Declaration International USA conference in September last year. Court documents say police saw Goonan smash the Hilton Hotel sign on Kearny Street with a hammer before he was pulled from the crowd and arrested. Protesters had gathered at the conference, which they deemed anti-trangender.

Women’s Declaration International has said that the concept of “gender identity” threatens the rights of women and that transgender women “should not be included in the category women in the context of women’s human rights.”

Goonan pleaded not guilty to felony vandalism, and the case continues; the next hearing is scheduled for Friday in San Francisco. He was scheduled to appear Thursday in Alameda County court for arraignment on arson charges. His bail has been set at $1 million. 

A thread of posts Monday night to X by the Escalate Network encouraged support for “someone” who was “accused of using improvised devices to start fires and damage property in retaliation for police brutality against Gaza solidarity encampments.” The posts called the actions “logical,” saying that even if the arrested person was innocent, they should be supported “as if they truly did take bold and heroic actions to save millions of lives” and calling the deeds “something we should all aspire to, tactics aside: selfless and urgent action to stop the war.”

Update: This story has been updated to include confirmation charges were filed by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office on June 20.

George Kelly can be reached at [email protected] Tomoki Chien can be reached at [email protected] Michael McLaughlin can be reached at [email protected]

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Gabby Thomas exclusive: On her mother, her education and the enduring power of sport - 'You can achieve anything you want to'

Having finished her master's degree in public health with a concentration in epidemiology last May, Gabby Thomas ' mother would like for her to get her PhD next.

"I think we're gonna put that on hold for a little while," Thomas told Olympics.com in a recent exclusive interview, breaking into a smile. "And focus on my Olympic dreams right now."

Thomas, 27, is one of those how-do-they-do-it-all people. She studied neurobiology and global health at Harvard for her undergrad, and after moving to Austin to train and attend the University of Texas for her masters, she also volunteers at a health care clinic, where she has done field work for her degree.

"I think I'm just so grateful to get to do what I love," said Thomas. "I think about it all the time, and even after a hard day at the track, when I'm tired and wheezing from practice, I'm just like, 'I'm so grateful to be doing what I love and to be able to do it for a living.'

"And then I get to go to the clinic and volunteer and make a difference in people's lives," she added. "So I feel so fulfilled, and I feel so passionate about everything I do. And [that all] really just comes from gratitude."

Thomas is the reigning Olympic bronze medallist in the 200 metres, while also earning the silver at the World Championships in that same event last August. This week (27-30 June), she'll look to make her second Olympic team at the U.S. Trials in Eugene, Oregon, among a crowded American field which is set to also feature 100m champion Sha'Carri Richardson .

But what others might see as "distractions," Thomas' busy-as-can-be schedule is exactly what keeps her sharp.

"It's kind of a balancing act; but that's the way I like it," she said. "I like coming home from track and having something completely different to focus on. And when I'm doing my clinic work, I can't wait to get back to the track."

• Snoop Dogg runs 200m in 34.44: 'Ain't bad for a 52-year-old'
• Athing Mu's appeal denied after fall in 800m final, will miss Paris 2024

Gabby Thomas: 'My mother impacted me in ways I can't even recognise'

When Gabby was 10, her mother, Jennifer Randall , moved the family to Massachusetts so that she could finish her own PhD while teaching. It was these bold choices by her mum that Thomas said she was watching closely, and picking up on, as she began her own journey into athletics - and adulthood.

"I think watching her as I was growing up and how hard she worked, that's impacted me in ways that I probably can't even recognise," Thomas told Olympics.com. "Watching her be a single parent without two pennies to scrub together and working her way up and to being what she is now, a successful professor living out her dreams and starting a non-profit to help people get education... I mean, that was a lot to watch."

"It really showed me what true work ethic was, and it showed me that you can achieve your dreams through hard work... [through that] and anything is possible," Thomas added.

Thomas said as her athletic achievements grew, her mother kept reminding her of the importance of education. Today, Gabby sees that as the key that has helped unlock so many levels of success on the track: A continued grounding in bettering herself off of it, too.

"Education was a way to level the playing field, so that's kind of how I have tackled everything in my entire life," Thomas said. "And it's gotten me to where I am today. I think I am following in the footsteps of my mum."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gabby Thomas (@gabbythomas)

'You can achieve anything you want to'

Thomas has appreciated her opportunity to live out those values passed on from her mother, first as a student and an athlete, and now as an Olympian... she hopes twice over.

"That's why I love sports and I love competing as an Olympian," she said. "Because it builds that character and you get to live out those values. And it has brought me success in other aspects of my life, too. When I'm thinking about my education and whatever else I want to pursue, I feel confident that I can do it because I do have those values instilled in me. I know that if I work really hard, I can achieve what I want to. I have that confidence and resilience that you really gain through the sport experience."

"And it permeates to everything. So I love sports and I love what it's taught me."

Thomas surely wants to head to next month's Olympic Games Paris 2024 , for a second Games, but regardless, she's using her platform to send a message to youngsters out there: You can do it, too.

"This is a message to all the younger girls who are watching, especially the young women of colour," she said. "Just know that the world might try to put you down, but the sky is the limit for you. You can achieve anything that you want to do - so just keep going."

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Former student heads to prison for life for killing University of Arizona professor

PHOENIX − A former University of Arizona graduate student was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of a professor on campus in 2022 .

Murad Dervish , 48, was found guilty of first-degree murder after he shot Thomas Meixner, head of the university's Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, on Oct. 5, 2022. The sentence he received Monday will put him behind bars for the rest of his natural life, plus 14 years, with no parole.

Last month, a jury also found him guilty of a slew of other charges , including one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of burglary and three counts of endangerment. Dervish was a graduate student who was expelled and prohibited from being on campus.

He was accused of threatening Meixner and other faculty and university staff for more than a year.

Dervish's attorney wanted his client to be found guilty but insane, telling the jury Dervish did not know right from wrong and was psychotic, paranoid and delusional. The prosecutor from the Pima County Attorney’s Office argued the murder was premeditated and showed threatening emails and evidence that Dervish planned to kill Meixner in the weeks and months before the shooting.

Family, university requested life without parole

During the sentencing, Meisner’s sisters, son and wife spoke about their experience, and all requested Dervish be sentenced to life in prison without a chance of parole. They spoke about how kind and intelligent Meixner was and how he was generous with his community.

One of his sons, Sean Meixner, spoke before the sentencing about his grief, sadness and hatred of Dervish, stating his life would never be the same without his father. He spoke about feeling as though he is waiting to die so he can hold his father again and be free of the "agony living in his absence."

“How could a man who devoted his life to God and others be taken from this life in the worst way possible, in pain and fear? Where was God in that?” he said.

Celina Ramirez, representing the university, said Meixner was a passionate, world-renowned scholar and kind mentor whose leadership resulted in the hydrology department’s high ranking.

She said the shooting has hurt the mental health of students and university staff, noting the challenge it is for many students and employees to return to campus.

“No legal punishment could ever be enough to fully atone for the intense grief and pain the defendant has inflicted upon Dr. Meixner's family, friends, colleagues, students, and the university community,” Ramirez said.

But Meixner’s sisters specifically criticized the university, as well as UA police and the person who sold Dervish the gun he used to kill Meixner.

“The University of Arizona failed my brother,” said Margaret Meixner, one of his sisters. "He loved and trusted the U of A, but that trust was misplaced."

She called the university’s police department incompetent and said the police and the university had her “brother’s blood on their hands.”

University police,  according to a letter by university president Robert Robbins , went to the county attorney’s office twice to seek charges against Dervish. The county attorney declined to press charges because of a lack of evidence.

In the months after the shooting, a faculty report found the university knew about the threats and failed to implement an effective risk management system to keep people on campus safe. Another  report , compiled by a consultant hired by the university, offered 33 recommendations for improving security.

Since then, the university has implemented numerous safety changes and updated safety communications. Meixner's family settled a lawsuit against the university for $2.5 million for failing to protect Meixner.

Dervish apologizes to Meixner's family but says trial was unfair

After Meixner’s family members spoke, Dervish addressed the judge over the objection of his attorney.

Dervish said he was pushed to speak because of the repeated mentions of him being a monster. Dervish spoke about how he had been enamored by the weather ever since he was a child and was so happy when he got into the University of Arizona.

“I felt I was in this new and magical place. I was going to study what I always wanted to truly study,” he said, adding that he fought addiction, homelessness and rejection by people in his life.

He said his heart broke for “what happened.”

“For them to lose him is just horrible, to his wife I don’t even know what to say,” Dervish said. “Just saying the word 'sorry' sounds dumb and ugly. It doesn’t fit … with what happened.” 

He also said “significant errors” were made during the trial, primarily by his attorneys. He noted the trial was not granted a change of venue and claimed the trial was unfair.

“I have yet to have a fair and impartial trial,” he said.

Pima County Superior Court Judge Howard Fell told him that he would have the opportunity for others to review whether the trial was fair.

“Right now, you are going to prison for the rest of your life,” Fell said.

Dervish threatened, harassed staff before the shooting

The prosecutor said that on the day of the shooting, Dervish entered the Harshbarger Building at UA shortly before 2 p.m. He chased Meixner down a hallway in the building and into a classroom. Dervish emptied his magazine, shooting Meixner 11 times.

Dervish then fled the building, police said. According to the complaint, police found Dervish driving on Highway 85 toward Mexico 30 miles south of Gila Bend three hours later.

Documents say Dervish refused to stop, leading police on a chase for 2 to 3 miles until his car was stopped.  

Dervish's behavior was well-known among members of the department and law enforcement before the shooting occurred. In the year before the shooting, Dervish reportedly harassed and threatened staff members working at Harshbarger Building.

Some of the threats were antisemitic: Dervish wished death to all Jews and accused Meixner of orchestrating a Jewish-led conspiracy against him, despite Meixner being raised Roman Catholic.

Dervish's attorney said his anger toward Meixner stemmed from a bad grade on a test.

Before his expulsion from the university, Dervish had been prohibited from stepping foot on university property. Pictures of Dervish were distributed throughout the department with instructions on how and when to call the police.

Additionally, entry passwords for rooms to which Dervish had access were changed.

After the judge handed down the sentence, the Pima County Attorney's Office released a statement saying County Attorney Laura Conover would bring red flag legislation back to the Legislature this year, following the wishes of Meixner's family.

“In honor of the family’s expressed wishes, and under her desire for a safer community, County Attorney Conover will bring her red flag legislation back to the legislature again next year, and for as long as it takes, to bring home common-sense gun safety reforms for a safer and healthier community," her office said in a statement.

Those laws, which have the backing of Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes, allow courts to order the seizure of firearms from people who might be a threat to themselves or others.

Former Gov. Doug Ducey proposed a similar law, under a different name, in 2018 after 17 students and staff were killed in a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. But the Republican's bill was rejected by the GOP-majority Legislature.

Reach the reporter at  [email protected] . The Republic’s coverage of southern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. Support Arizona news coverage with a tax-deductible donation at  supportjournalism.azcentral.com.