Highlighted Achiever at Scripps College: Alyssa Griffin
Alyssa Griffin: Investigating the Impact of Ocean Acidification on Coral Reefs
Alyssa Griffin, a PhD student at UC San Diego, is delving into the intricate world of marine chemistry and geochemistry, with a particular focus on the effects of changing ocean chemistry on coral reefs.
Griffin's research journey began on the East Coast, where she attended Temple University and earned degrees in geology and comparative religion. Her fascination with the immense time and spatial scales involved in geology led her to pursue a career in the field.
At Scripps Oceanography, Griffin found the perfect environment to nurture her passion. She was drawn to the institution by the opportunity to work with Dr. Andreas Andersson and the wealth of resources available.
Griffin's research is two-fold. On one hand, she investigates the potential dissolution of seafloor coverage on a reef due to increasing ocean acidity. On the other hand, she explores how this acidification affects the process of dissolution on coral reefs.
The implications of her research are far-reaching. By understanding how ocean acidification affects coral reefs, Griffin hopes to contribute solutions to this pressing issue.
In addition to her scientific pursuits, Griffin is also committed to fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment at Scripps. As one of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Fellows, she organises events aimed at creating a more welcoming and representative community.
Griffin's work is not without its challenges. Balancing her research, teaching, and personal life can be demanding, but she prioritises her husband, family, and friends above all else. Despite the challenges, Griffin finds the most exciting part of her work in the ability to ask "Why?" and navigating the path to an answer, sometimes discovering unexpected things along the way.
Looking to the future, Griffin aims to continue performing geochemical research on anthropogenically-driven changes in Earth's processes. She hopes to conduct this research within an academic institution to generate greater public interest in science, facilitate public discussion of current research, and motivate future generations of scientists.
In her free time, Griffin enjoys playing music, attending concerts, camping, and hiking with her husband, Ted. Despite the demands of her PhD program, Griffin remains motivated by the possibility of making a difference in the world, particularly in the fight against ocean acidification.
- Alyssa Griffin's research in marine chemistry and geochemistry sheds light on the impact of climate change, specifically ocean acidification, on coral reefs.
- Science, particularly environmental science, has captivated Alyssa Griffin since her days at Temple University.
- Workplace wellness and personal-growth are important to Alyssa Griffin, as demonstrated by her commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community at Scripps.
- Health-and-wellness also plays a role in Griffin's life, with her husband and family being her highest priorities.
- Fitness-and-exercise, such as hiking and camping, are recreational activities that Alyssa Griffin enjoys.
- Griffin's research into ocean acidification has potential implications for products from the food-and-drink industry, which rely on the health of coral reefs.
- As a parent, Alyssa Griffin is acutely aware of her role in preserving the environment for future generations.
- The lifestyle grind of balancing research, teaching, and personal life can be grueling, but Griffin finds solace in the journey of discovery.
- Fashion-and-beauty industries could potentially be affected by Griffin's research on the impacts of ocean acidification on skin-care products.
- Griffin's work in environmental-science paves the way for innovative therapies-and-treatments, aiming to reverse the effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs.
- Nutrition and its role in overall health are interconnected with the impacts of climate change, such as ocean acidification, on our planet.
- Alyssa Griffin's career trajectory is a testament to the intersection of science and business, with her academic pursuits leading to a more sustainable future.
- Personal-finance management is crucial for graduate students like Alyssa Griffin, as they navigate financial challenges within their research.
- The implications of ocean acidification research extend to various sectors, such as technology and gadgets that rely on sustainable, non-toxic materials.
- The study of ocean acidification impacts areas like data-and-cloud-computing, as researchers require advanced technology to analyze large volumes of data.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning can aid in predicting the consequences of ocean acidification, ultimately influencing career-development opportunities in these fields.
- Relationships with colleagues, friends, and family are essential components of Alyssa Griffin's life as she pursues her passion for marine research.
- Travel is a means for Griffin to explore new environments, expanding her knowledge and broadening her understanding of the impact of ocean acidification on various ecosystems.
