2022 saw the further growth and expansion of The Diversity Project, with 11 amazing future marine scientists joining us in Moorea. 2022 also welcomed new additions to the TDP team, Dr. Alex Davis, and Dr. Kimo Morris. Special thanks to graduate students Katie Hannibal, John Amiel Flores and Eli Catalan for all of your support!
Name: Jada Alexander
School: UC Santa Barbara
Major: Environmental Science
Comments on The Diversity Project: “In less than 14 weeks I was able to get SCUBA certified, create a research proposal, conduct research, analyze the results, and present the findings at a symposium all while making lifelong personal and professional connections along the way. I don’t know of anywhere else where you can do that. For that amongst many other reasons, TDP is a family that I am more than grateful for.“
Where is she now? Jada is continuing to pursue her bachelors degree in environmental science and education while continuing to experience the different career pathways within marine science.
Name: Danielle Bond
School: University of the District of Columbia
Major: Biology
Project Title: Revisiting the biodiversity and ecosystem function paradigm using trait-based approaches for macroalgal-dominated coral reefs
Where is she now? Danielle completed her undergraduate degree and is now a PhD student at UC Irvine!
Name: Cameron Cooper
Project Title: Trait variation of a calcifying marcroalga predicts herbivory pressure on coral reefs
Comments on The Diversity Project: “TDP has given me a chance to explore marine biology in a way I never would have been able to and make connections that will enrich my career as a marine scientist.“
Where is he now? Cameron is finishing his degree at Morehouse and applying to graduate school.
Name: Alyssa Fritz
Comments on The Diversity Project: “TDP has given me a chance to explore marine biology in a way I never would have been able to and make connections that will enrich my career as a marine scientist.“
Where is she now? Alyssa is currently finishing her undergraduate at the University of Missouri, continuing research, and looking for PhD programs.
Name: Yadi Galindo
Where is she now? Yadi finished her undergraduate degree in June 2022 and then spent a year idoing a study abroad program in Singapore in preparation for applying to graduate school.
Name: Pa-Shun Hawkins
Project Title: Trait variation of a calcifying marcroalga predicts herbivory pressure on coral reefs
Where is she now now: Pa-Shun completed her undergraduate degree and is now a PhD student in the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA!
Name: Christian Long
Major: Biology
Project Title: Revisiting the biodiversity and ecosystem function paradigm using trait-based approaches for macroalgal-dominated coral reefs
Where is he now? Christian Long is a PhD student at UC Davis in the graduate group in ecology, working with John Durand!
Name: Mariana Lie
Where is she now? Mari graduate from UCSD and is leading ecotourism tours in Ecuador in preparation for applying to graduate school
Name: Derrick Richardson
School: Hampton University
Where is he now: Derrick completed his degree at Hampton University and is now a PhD student at UCLA in the department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.
Name: Maddi Stewart
Comments of TDP: “The Diversity Project completely changed the way I view and understand marine science. I am better prepared and supported to continue my career in this field due to TDP. Between SCUBA certification to lab work and networking, TDP has prepared me to be a successful marine biologist.“
Name: Troy Wynne