Amara Okongwu
Northridge,California
Summary
Driven biology master's student specializing in applied conservation research, eager to partner with communities to develop ecological solutions addressing climate change-related threats.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Young Voices of Science Communication Program
Hubbard Brook Research Foundation
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Designing and executing a science communication outreach project highlighting the need for successful regenerative kelp aquaculture and the need for collaboration with stakeholders.
Farina Lab, Howard University
10.2022 - 05.2025
- Skeletonized gulper shark bycatch
- Conducting senior thesis research on the distribution of gulper sharks along the east coast of the United States using NOAA fisheries data
Dorris Duke Conservation Scholars Program
06.2023 - 01.2025
- An intensive 8-week field course to learn and engage with field research techniques, environmental justice, and conservation. Conducted and presented several independent research projects.
The Diversity Project
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Conducted a research project in Mo'orea, French Polynesia, studying the structural function of coral rubble placed around shrimp/gobi burrows by Alpheus cf. berumeni and the intentionality of this behavior.
NSF REU Internship with the Barrott Lab
The University of Pennsylvania
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Studied the differing levels of symbiont establishment in apo-symbiotic Aiptasia anemones treated with a VHA inhibitor.
Education
Master's of Science - Biology
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA12-2027
Bachelor of Arts - French Studies
Howard University
Washington, D.C.05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
Howard University
Washington, D.C.05-2025
French Minor Courses
The University of Paul Valéry at Montpellier 3
04.2023
Skills
- French fluency
- R
- Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Jamovi
- Pipetting
- Model Organism Husbandry
- Lyophilizer use
- Autoclave use
- AAUS Certified Diver
- NAUI Certified Diver
- Small Mammal Trapping (Sherman)
Publications
- Glass, B., J Ashley, A. Okongwu, A. Huffymer, H. Putnam, K. Barott, 08/01/23, Characterization of a sperm motility signaling pathway in a gonochoric coral suggests conservation across cnidarian sexual systems., The Royal Society
- Ellis, T., Galvan S., Viveros-Martir R., Okongwu A., Architects of the Sand Flats: Uncovering the Burrow-Building and Substrate Selectivity of Alpheus cf. Berumeni, manuscript in progress
Activities
- Team Lead, Better Future Club, Planned and coordinated club events in collaboration with other regional Team Leads around Los Angeles and LA Climate Week organizers. 1/01/26, 4/30/2026
- Volunteer, California Seaweed Festival, Coordinated event set up social science research projects. Assisted educational workshops. 10/11/2025
- Lab Member, Farina Lab, Howard University, 10/01/22, 05/31/25, Skeletonized gulper shark bycatch., Conducting senior thesis research on the distribution of gulper sharks along the east coast of the United States using NOAA fisheries data.
Accomplishments
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, Honorable Mention (2026)
Timeline
Young Voices of Science Communication Program
Hubbard Brook Research Foundation
09.2025 - 01.2026
The Diversity Project
06.2024 - 08.2024
Dorris Duke Conservation Scholars Program
06.2023 - 01.2025
Farina Lab, Howard University
10.2022 - 05.2025
NSF REU Internship with the Barrott Lab
The University of Pennsylvania
05.2022 - 08.2022
Master's of Science - Biology
California State University, Northridge
Bachelor of Arts - French Studies
Howard University
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
Howard University
French Minor Courses
The University of Paul Valéry at Montpellier 3