Upon completion of the program, I will not only be the first African American to acquire a marine science degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, but will also be the first person in my family to attain a doctoral degree. Over the years, I have been inspired by mentors, teachers, and professors to be where I am today. Because of them I was inspired to pursue a PhD in marine science, start a non-profit inspiring children of color to get involved in the aquatic sciences, and have used my experiences to continue on the path to making a difference while providing a broader outlook of what an ocean scientist can look like.
