Narrissa Brown, MS
Biologist at US Fish and Wildlife Service
Graduate Assistant at the Kewalo Marine Laboratory
Graduate Assistant at the Kewalo Marine Laboratory
Hilo, Hawai‘i
Field of study/specialty
Coral molecular biology and coral reproductive biology
What inspired you to pursue STEM?
I've always had a fascination with the ocean and marine creatures. Kawaihae is a "blink and you'll miss it" town and as a kid one of the few things to do was explore the ocean and tide pools. I always wanted to work with marine animals, but didn't realize that it could be more than a childhood hobby until I was in college. I have a fascination with disease and the effects of humans on the natural environment. My master's thesis was on a coral disease that was due to high levels of sewage entering the waterway though underground freshwater seeps. It allowed me to marry the disease and coral worlds together and I've been hooked ever since!
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
You can do this! Your ancestors crossed oceans and discovered entire islands within the largest ocean on Earth. You can answer your dissertation/thesis questions! You have an entire genealogy of knowledge at your back and within your blood. If you need help, ask for it. Keeping a good support system in place is incredibly important and I would not have made it through grad school without the support of my family and friends.
Coral molecular biology and coral reproductive biology
What inspired you to pursue STEM?
I've always had a fascination with the ocean and marine creatures. Kawaihae is a "blink and you'll miss it" town and as a kid one of the few things to do was explore the ocean and tide pools. I always wanted to work with marine animals, but didn't realize that it could be more than a childhood hobby until I was in college. I have a fascination with disease and the effects of humans on the natural environment. My master's thesis was on a coral disease that was due to high levels of sewage entering the waterway though underground freshwater seeps. It allowed me to marry the disease and coral worlds together and I've been hooked ever since!
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
You can do this! Your ancestors crossed oceans and discovered entire islands within the largest ocean on Earth. You can answer your dissertation/thesis questions! You have an entire genealogy of knowledge at your back and within your blood. If you need help, ask for it. Keeping a good support system in place is incredibly important and I would not have made it through grad school without the support of my family and friends.