Griffith, whose research interests include coral reef ecophysiology and conservation, graduated with her master’s from UNC-Chapel Hill last month. She specifically wrote her master’s thesis on the impact that hurricanes have on coral reef growth.

Now that she’s made history at the prestigious institution, she aims to help inspire other Black students to pursue their dreams as well.

“I’ve heard from a lot of African American men who, when they were younger, wanted to be marine scientists and somewhere along the way, someone kind of burst a bubble,” Griffith told the Atlanta Black Star.

“I feel like it only makes me want to get the information out more and collaborate with different organizations to hold safe spaces where they can ask questions and feel heard and be curious about what they would potentially love,” she continued.

women in science

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