​

Aliyah Griffith is a Ph.D. Student currently in North Carolina and is the first African American to receive a graduate degree from the marine science department at UNC Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on coral reef ecosystems and reef management.

 

As the founder of Mahogany Mermaids and

a first-time children's book author, she is devoted to encouraging the next generation to find their passions and dreams. She advises students on navigating academia and finding their path into STEM careers.