Reading
Adult Fiction
I read books multiple times per week
Destiny Coleman
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FinalistDestiny Coleman
445
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I am Destiny Coleman, a highly motivated individual driven by a passion for science. I study environmental science as an undergrad at Florida A&M University. I have interests in environmental science, marine science, and sustainability-related learning and research opportunities. I am looking to further expand my knowledge in these areas and broaden my contributions to the field(s).
Education
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Environmental Geosciences
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
marine science
Dream career goals:
Intern
University of Maryland Eastern Shore2020 – 2020Program Participant
Black In Marine Science2022 – 2022Mentor
Florida A&M University, Program of Excellence2022 – Present2 yearsIntern
Department of Energy2021 – 2021Guest Programs Specialist
Georgia Aquarium2019 – 2019Intern
Florida A&M University2020 – Present4 years
Research
Environmental Monitoring
Department of Energy — Intern2021 – 2021Bioremediation
Florida A&M University — Intern2023 – PresentMicrobiology
National Science Foundation — Intern2020 – 2023
Public services
Volunteering
Debris-Free Ocean — Trash pick up2022 – 2022Volunteering
Kearney Center — food distributor2022 – 2022Volunteering
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital — Child Engagement2022 – 2022Volunteering
MUVE — Plant new sea oats and remove invasive weeds2022 – 2022Advocacy
Be The Match — Recruitment2022 – PresentVolunteering
SISTUHS Inc. — donations collector2022 – PresentVolunteering
Rescue a Reef2022 – 2022Volunteering
Second Harvest — Food Sorter2022 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
She Rose in STEAM Scholarship
When I graduate from Florida A&M University, I will join the 1.3% of Black environmental scientists and 1.6% of Black marine scientists operating in the United States workforce. Throughout my career as a blooming environmentalist and marine scientist, I have focused on the concepts of ecology, conservation, environmental health, and research. These aspects of nature contribute to the fact that there are no unimportant roles in the environment. Everything cooperates to keep the Earth, atmosphere, water bodies, geological processes, and chemical functions of the planet in balance. Human health and homeostasis are closely related to environmental health because if we do not have a healthy planet then we do not have healthy resources and in turn, our health has risk of being compromised through pollution and lack of resources.
I will utilize my education and experiences to improve the health of minorities in my community by advocating for and creating a healthy environment. I have previously researched water quality and river sediments to determine what major elements are affecting the resources in the Savannah, Georgia area. I have also dedicated my time to a bioremediation project involving the use of bioluminescent bacteria to detect heavy metals like mercury in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. Other research that I have completed has included examination of Apalachicola Bay oyster genes in Tallahassee, Florida. Oysters are crucial filtering species and work to cycle nutrients in major estuary and saline environments. My background experience in research has involved detection, monitoring, and management of natural resources. Without these processes and resources, human health would be at risk. Communities are often built around water bodies, agricultural land, and nutrient-rich ecosystems that citizens of the area are dependent on. As an environmentalist, it is my job to observe the community, locate any issues, experiment, and implement conclusive methods back into the environment.
As a Black woman minority who is also a minority in her desired career field, I feel as though I have a personal duty to give back to my community. African-Americans and other People of Color have been historically disenfranchised and under-served and our health has not been prioritized. My plan to change this is to target minority communities and work closely with them so that they better understand ecological processes and can take it upon themselves to move with intent and take care of their environment. I will empower minorities to first educate themselves and then use that knowledge to personally contribute to issues like air pollution, water pollution, conservation, and restoration of resources. Contribution can be making sustainable changes in your daily routine or possibly doing more to advocate to politicians to make changes in your own area. Fixing environmental issues in their area will directly correlate to overall health of nature, organisms, and people that are part of the ecosystem.