Aliyah Griffith becomes first Black graduate to earn a Ph.D. in marine science at UNC

Aliyah Griffith, known online as @thedrmermaid, made history at UNC Chapel Hill by becoming the first Black person to earn a Ph.D. in marine science from the university.

Dr. Aliyah Griffith Makes History

Her achievement also places her among the less than 2% of Black scholars in the field, a milestone that strengthens representation in marine science.

Moreover, Griffith continues to expand her impact beyond academia. She is the CEO and founder of Mahogany Mermaids, a nonprofit that inspires children of color to explore aquatic sciences.

As a marine science scholar, Griffith focuses on coral reef ecosystems. She integrates scuba diving, satellite imagery, and remote‑operated vehicles (ROVs) to study reef resilience and long‑term management.

Key highlights of her work

• She leads Mahogany Mermaids to increase access to aquatic science.
• She researches coral reef health through fieldwork and advanced technology.
• She promotes STEM pathways for children of color.

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

You can view her celebratory moment here:

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Congratulations, Dr. Aliyah Griffith!