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About

Contact Information

P: 864-656-2328
E: biolsci@clemson.edu

Campus Location

132 Long Hall, Clemson, SC 29634

Hours

Monday - Friday:
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Profile


Profile Photo

Kea Payton

Biological Sciences

Graduate Research Assistant

PhD Candidate

Jordan Hall 105 [Lab]

tpayton@clemson.edu

Educational Background

B.S., Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington
B.S., Environmental Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington
M.S., Marine Biology, College of Charleston

Profile/About Me

Tokea G. Payton is a PhD student in the Biological Sciences Department at Clemson University in the Conservation of Marine Resources lab directed by Dr. Michael Childress. Her research focuses on the impact of marine debris and debris removal on the coral reef community in the Florida Keys. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Science with a minor in Chemistry and a Master’s in Marine Biology. She has worked with several environmental entities holding positions as a Marine Science Educator, Education Coordinator, and SCUBA professional.

Research Interests

Marine ecology, conservation, anthropogenic marine debris, coral reefs, community engagement

Research Group (Lab)

Conservation of Marine Resources (Childress Lab)

Courses Taught

BIOL 1101 Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory
BIOL 4710 Behavioral Ecology Laboratory

Memberships

Biological Sciences Graduate Student Association
Black in Marine Science

Honors and Awards

2021 Phil and Mary Bradley Graduate Student Award for Mentoring in Creative Inquiry
2023 Dr. David W. Tonkyn Memorial Annual Fellowship
2023 Call Me Doctor Fellowship
2023 Kathryn D. Sullivan Earth and Marine Science Fellowship
2023 Department of Biological Sciences Outstanding Graduate in Engagement

Degree Program

PhD Biological Sciences

Expected Graduation

December 2024

Links

Keys Weekly News Article
Instagram
LinkedIn
Integrative and Comparative Biology Blog

Contact Information

P: 864-656-2328
E: biolsci@clemson.edu

Campus Location

132 Long Hall, Clemson, SC 29634

Hours

Monday - Friday:
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.