
Hobbies and interests
Cooking
Singing
Writing
Psychology
Guitar
Sports
Art
Music
Music Theory
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Reading
Classics
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Leadership
I read books multiple times per month
Rochelle David
1,225
Bold Points1x
Finalist1x
Winner
Rochelle David
1,225
Bold Points1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
Science has always had a big role in my life. In 2022, I graduated from NCSSM. I am a third-year Honors College student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington majoring in marine biology with a concentration in conservation. Pursuing a career in marine science has been a goal of mine since I was in middle school. I am committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability to preserve our beautiful world for future generations. Although not STEM related, I am minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. Through this minor, I have learned about the importance of intersectionality and global perspectives. In combining the outcomes of these fields of study, I now better understand the importance of nuanced studies and community engagement in solutions. One of my proudest accomplishments in my collegiate career is earning the designation of being a NOAA Hollings Scholar. I was one of four UNCW students chosen to be part of the Class of 2024. After completing my undergraduate degree, I will pursue a master’s degree in Coastal and Ocean Policy. To date, I have volunteered roughly 900 hours. Having a scholarship ensures that I can continue making strides towards pursuing my dreams in environmental conservation while giving back to all the communities I encounter.
Education
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Marine Sciences
Minors:
- Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies, Other
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
Career
Dream career field:
Biology
Dream career goals:
Marine Biologist
Hollings Scholar
NOAA2024 – Present1 yearOrientation Leader
UNCW Office of Transition Programs2023 – 2023Head Student Manager
UNCW Athletics2022 – 20231 yearPlay Host
Marbles Kids Museum2020 – Present5 yearsTeam Member
Chick-fil-A2018 – 20202 years
Sports
Soccer
Club2022 – Present3 years
Soccer
Varsity2021 – 20221 year
Awards
- Captain
Basketball
Intramural2020 – 20222 years
Soccer
Intramural2020 – 20211 year
Research
Marine Sciences
UNC-Chapel Hill Lohmann Lab — Student Research Assistant/Video Data Analyzer2021 – 2022Marine Sciences
UNCW Dept. of Biology and Marine Biology — Undergraduate Student Researcher2023 – Present
Arts
School
Performance ArtBlackbird, Brave, Clinton Visit, Caroling during holidays, School rally2016 – 2019School
MusicNC State Homecoming Parade, Thanksgiving Parade, Fall Concert2014 – 2020
Public services
Volunteering
i9 Sports — Head Coach2024 – 2024Volunteering
Marbles Kids Museum — Teen Play Corps Leader2016 – 2021Volunteering
Downtown Garner — Volunteer2017 – 2020Volunteering
Wake Leadership Junior Civitan — Fundraising President2017 – 2020
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Women in STEM and Community Service Scholarship
WinnerOne of the greatest challenges that I know will continue to impact coastal communities is the habitat degradation. This is a social, scientific, and environmental problem affecting areas on local and global scales. It is also a multi-cause and multi-solution problem with some being natural and others being manmade. I am currently majoring in marine biology with a concentration in conservation at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. This issue is important to me because coastal habitats are home to some of the greatest biodiversity on Earth, yet the species in these areas often suffer due to commercial and recreational developments. As well, humans in these areas suffer from losses of natural and recreational resources. Through my minor in Women's and Gender Studies, I have been able to study the ways that environmental degradation hurts the most vulnerable communities, including the poor and the natives.
While coastal erosion is a naturally and gradually occurring process, it has been accelerated by human processes. I learned this in 2019 while on a volunteer trip in Costa Rica. Habitat degradation is influenced by coastal development and urbanization, pollution, overfishing, and poor resource management among other things, which is further influenced by overpopulation. Knowing that coastal degradation is a global issue, addressing habitat degradation requires a comprehensive approach. Ideally, the approach implements conservation measures for sustainable coastal management practices, along with involving local communities and international collaboration. One solution that I know exists and is very effective is the implementation of marine protected areas. After completing my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue a degree in Coastal and Ocean Policy. Specifically, I am interested in the establishment of marine reserves and the negotiations involved. Some additional solutions to this issue are restoration and rehabilitation, legislation, and ongoing monitoring of coastal areas.
With the experience that I have in working in a government organization, as well as my extensive volunteer portfolio that amasses over 800 service hours, I believe that one day I will be a key piece in the fight against climate change and habitat destruction. Since I was a child, I have been a loud and passionate advocate for Mother Earth and all of her inhabitants. I strongly believe that we as humans are not greater than nature, but that we exist as part of it. Through continuing to serve the communities I encounter and sharing my knowledge with future generations, I know that I could inspire someone in the next generation to continue that same work. Mentorship is key to promoting environmental stewardship and helping others see themselves as one with nature, and not against it.
Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship
Proudly, I am a first-generation low-income student with immigrant parents. My mom is from Jamaica, and she is someone that I consider to be my best friend. She came to the United States as a single mother with my brother at the age of 16. As much as she wanted to, she was unable to finish her bachelor’s degree. When my parents divorced at age 7, I watched my mom step up in tremendous ways. She maintained sometimes three jobs at a time while taking care of my brother and me. There were times when she missed dance recitals and sporting events, but that wasn't necessarily by choice. When she couldn't handle everything herself, she leaned on the community around her. She taught me the importance of building a village and asking for help. Even though we are grateful to be in a position where she no longer must juggle between jobs, I watch as she still sidelines her dreams to help me pursue mine. My mom is one of the best chefs that I have ever known, and she hopes to own her restaurant one day. However, progress toward this dream has slowed since I have been in college. Instead of putting money into the savings fund for her brick-and-mortar, she is sending it to me to make sure that I have enough money to buy my textbooks and pay my monthly sorority dues. My mom knows what it means to sacrifice, and I have been beside her throughout all the blood, sweat and tears.
Growing up, I always had a love for the ocean and a passion for protecting wildlife. This led me to my undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where I am a third-year student majoring in marine biology with a concentration in conservation. Outside of the classroom, I am an Undergraduate Student Researcher in Dr. Joe Covi's Zoop Lab, where I am creating a zooplankton toxicology kit to be used as a supplemental educational material in classrooms. I am also a member of the Xi Theta Chapter of Delta Zeta Sorority, where I serve as the DEI and Campus Relations Chairs. Since my freshman year, I have been a member of the Women's Club Soccer team.
There have been times in my collegiate journey where I have been filled with doubt or worry due to uncertainty over the future or fear of failure. When I was struggling to understand Organic Chemistry, she encouraged me to seek peer help and reach out to my professor. I ended up passing the class with an A. When I was unsure if I would be accepted to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, she told me to apply anyway. I graduated from there in May of 2022. Each time that I think I am ready to give up, my mom is there for me. Having her support in my weak moments has given me the strength to persevere through my toughest classes. In me, she has instilled resilience and courage.
When I walk across the stage at commencement, the degree won't just be for me. It will be for my mom and me. For all the nights that she has stayed up with me while I worked on essays or cried over peer conflicts, it will belong to her even if the printed name on the front is mine. For a woman that has and continues to sacrifice so much for my success, I owe it to her to cross the finish line and keep running.