HELLO! I’M ALIYAH GRIFFITH
Come Explore
ABOUT ME
From a young age, I’ve always had a sense of motivation and passion driving me forward. Whether it’s exploring unique opportunities, learning additional skills, or meeting new people, I bring these values to every experience throughout my life on a personal and professional level. To learn more about me, keep exploring my site or reach out directly.
EDUCATION
What I’ve Learned
My education has not only provided the foundation for the rest of my experiences, but has also made me a lifelong learner who is eager to gain more skills and knowledge. Take a look at my academics below.
PHD PROGRAM
Earth Marine and Environmental Sciences (Marine Science)
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
(August 2019 - Present)
Building an understanding of graduate level skills and the development of international collaboration and science education.
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Marine Science
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
(August 2019-2022)
Focused on the impacts of acute disturbances on coral reef growth.
BACHELORS OF SCIENCE
Marine and Environmental Science
Hampton University
(August 2015 - May 2018)
Acquired a multitude of skills and became exposed to new opportunities through internships.
MY SKILLS
What I Do
MY EXPERIENCE
Background & Expertise
CEO AND FOUNDER, MAHOGANY MERMAIDS
August 2016 - Present
Mahogany Mermaids is a non-profit organization geared to encourage young people of color to enter into the aquatic science field.
AMBASSADOR, SHADOW A SCIENTIST
August 2019 - Present
Provide the opportunity for young students to cultivate their interest in science with first hand experiences in the daily life of a scientist
TUTOR, UNC-CHAPEL HILL ATHLETIC EDUCATION CENTER
August 2019 - 2021
Assist student athletes in their marine science courses as a tutor to enhance their comprehension and organizational skills for this course
UC-HBCU INITIATE, THE DIVERSITY PROJECT: PATHWAYS TO PHD PROGRAM
May 2016 - August 2016
I developed a research project with two other students on the effects of the abundance of turbinaria ornata, a foundational macroalga, on the diversity of invertebrates in Moorea French Polynesia, paid REU- $3,600
FEATURES/PUBLICATIONS
"The best way to predict the future is to create it"
Abraham Lincoln
AWARDS
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Research Explorer Grant
ICRS
Ruth Gates Memorial Award
UNC CHAPEL HILL
Graduate School Travel Award
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Graduate School Transportation Grant
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Initiate for Minority Excellence at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
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Doctoral Advancement Award
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
GRFP (Honorable Mention)
UC-HBCU INITIATIVE
UC-HBCU Fellowship: Office of the President of University of California
PRESENTATIONS
NEW HORIZONS IN CONSERVATION CONFERENCE
2022 (Virtual)
INTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF SYMPOSIUM (ICRS)
2022 (Virtual)
2021 (Virtual)
ASSOCIATION FOR THE SCIENCES OF LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY (ASLO)
2017