Breaking Barriers Beneath the Surface: Dr. Aliyah Griffith Becomes First Black Ph.D. in Marine Science at UNC Chapel Hill

Dr. Aliyah Griffith has made history as the first Black person to earn a Ph.D. in marine science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, joining the less than 2% of Black scholars in the field.

A proud Hampton University alum, Dr. Griffith also made history in 2022 as UNC Chapel Hill’s first Black Marine Sciences master’s graduate.

Her research focuses on coral reef ecosystems, specifically addressing the influence of hurricanes on the skeletal growth of coral. She is examining how events like Hurricane Irma impacted the calcification, extension, and density of two coral species along the Florida Keys Reef Tract.

In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Griffith is the CEO and Founder of Mahogany Mermaids, a nonprofit organization she created in 2016 to encourage young people of color to enter the aquatic science field. The organization aims to provide opportunities for young girls of color to experience aquatic science.

Dr. Griffith has also been recognized as a National Geographic Explorer, working with Disney to promote the live-action film The Little Mermaid.

Her journey into marine science began with a shadowing program at the Georgia Aquarium during high school, which solidified her interest in the field. She later participated in The Diversity Project at UCLA, a summer research program for students from underrepresented groups, where she earned her full scuba certification and conducted research in Mo’orea, French Polynesia.

Dr. Griffith's accomplishments serve as an inspiration and a testament to the importance of diversity and representation in STEM fields.