Profile
Kea Payton
Biological Sciences
Graduate Research Assistant
PhD Candidate
Jordan Hall 105 [Lab]
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
