Diversity in marine science

Aliyah Griffith is a doctoral student at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a National Geographic Explorer. Over the years she has immersed herself in marine biology and science communication. In 2022, Griffith received her master's degree becoming the first African-American to receive a graduate degree in marine science from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Griffith received her Bachelor's of Science in Marine and Environmental Science from Hampton University. Her research focuses on climate change impacts on coral reef ecosystems. Although she started out addressing coral reef invertebrate diversity through internships, her masters focused on analyzing coral skeletal growth and how it is impacted by acute disturbances such as hurricanes. 

Her current research now focuses on coral reef management and benthic reef composition. Her research has received awards and support from organizations including National Geographic Society, the American Museum of Natural History, and the International Coral Reef Society.

Because of her unique journey, Aliyah is passionate about encouraging young people to find their paths, so she created MahoganyMermaids, a non-profit that provides scholarships and academic resources and support to students of color who have an interest in pursuing marine science. She also recently authored a children’s book, My Secret Mermaid, to highlight the different careers in aquariums and how you can discover ocean wonders just outside your home.