STUDENT HIGHLIGHT
Anjali Boyd

As a liberal arts college, Eckerd allowed me to not only take the required STEM classes for my major, but also encouraged me to explore other fields and their connection to marine science, such as philosophy, ethics, communication, business, and more. The diverse courses, research experiences, and leadership activities I was exposed to as an undergrad challenged, inspired, and helped prepare me to become the interdisciplinary scientist I am today. However, my first year at Eckerd was one of my most difficult professional experiences. I constantly struggled in my major classes, questioned whether I belonged in my field, was severely homesick, and unable to cope with being the only Black person in all my major classes and most of my STEM classes. Halfway through the year, I met Dr. Lazarre, an Eckerd alumna, marine scientist, and Black woman, who had returned to Eckerd to teach. Throughout her year at Eckerd, she took me under her wing, provided career advice, and helped me apply to internship programs. Thanks to her mentorship and guidance, I was accepted into the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) REU program, which is designed for underrepresented minorities in ocean sciences. Over the course of the10-week program, we honed critical research, scientific writing, and oral communication skills. More importantly, the program helped me build a supportive community of peers!

Today, I am a PhD Candidate and Dean’s Graduate Fellow at Duke University in the Nicholas School of the Environment studying Marine Science and Conservation, in addition to being a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, Ford Fellow, and National Geographic Explorer. My ongoing research focuses on developing more efficient and cost-effective management practices to restore and conserve vulnerable marine ecosystems. As a result of my own experiences, I have consistently worked to increase the representation of women and ethnic minorities in ocean science fields. I am a member of the Board of Directors for Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS) and have assisted in growing the organization to over 350 members across 18 countries. I also served as an Early Career Liaison to the US National Committee for UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and have been appointed to serve on numerous committees and task forces at Duke University, Eckerd College, and the Ecological Society of America.