Kyle
Oliveira
Hometown: Brick, NJ
Major: Environmental Science, with a minor in Marine Science
Research Interest: Climate change impacts on marine life
“Coming from a smaller high school, it felt natural to join a smaller sized group of people that would support me at a larger university.
GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL:
University of Maine (PhD, Marine Biology)
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
I’m unsure at the moment, but I’m interested in exploring academia, government research, or science communication.
WHAT DREW YOU TO THE CSS PROGRAM?
What drew me to the CSS program was a focus on supporting students pursuing a STEM degree in a cohort setting. I enjoy having a close-knit community surrounding me and offering me opportunities to succeed in the field of science. Coming from a smaller high school, it felt natural to join a smaller sized group of people that would support me at a larger university.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CSS EXPERIENCE OR MEMORY?
Selection weekends were always eventful and brought a lot of promise to the program. Admiring the potential scholars and making connections with them while learning their interests and goals was always memorable. Summer EXCELerator, while challenging, was also one of my favorite memories. It was where my cohort really began to come together and so many lifelong friendships and memories were made. There really are too many memories to write down that came as a result of my CSS experience.
HOW HAS CSS SHAPED YOUR CAREER GOALS?
Before CSS I was focused on getting a government position right out of college and joining the work force. During my time at UNC, I was fortunate to attend multiple conferences through CSS and other outlets that broadened my idea of post-undergraduate education. A doctoral degree became my goal after finishing my undergraduate degree. In shifting my goals, I learned to keep an open mind (a key for succeeding in the CSS program) about potential landing spots in my career, and look forward to where my experiences will lead me in the future.
WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY RESEARCH INTEREST?
I conducted research on coral skeletal morphology in the Castillo Lab. I was able to complete an honors thesis on my work which aimed to understand climate change impacts on skeletal structures of a Caribbean reef coral, Siderastrea siderea, the massive starlet coral.
AWARDS AND HONORS
- CSS Distinguished Scholar Award
- Graduated with Highest Honors and Distinction