Dr. Camille Gaynus
Dr. Camille Gaynus approached her work through her lived-professional and personal experiences. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Camille appreciated water-based activities at an early age, learning how to swim when she was three and competing as a swimmer for over 15 years. Although she was unaware, she took her love of water with her to the Historically Black College Hampton University in Virginia. It was here she was introduced to careers in marine science and with a degree in Marine and Environmental Science, she entered UCLA as a graduate student. She received her PhD in Biology in 2019 and started a Postdoc at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on the factors that promote algae in coral reef systems, reducing coral recovery. Through her research experience and travels, it has been quite common for Dr. Gaynus to be the only minority in the room, even during discussions based on diversity. Rarely have these conversations been facilitated by folks who share or can relate to Camille’s experience as a black woman in STEM. When asked to co-found A WOC Space, LLC Camille jumped at the opportunity to create a more inclusive space for women of color and aid allies in targeted, meaningful diversity and inclusion efforts.