Gerald Clark graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami (UM) in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography and a Bachelor of Arts in Marine Affairs. Gerald’s affinity for the ocean and coast began in his childhood while traveling with his mother, a former scuba diving instructor. Gerald was exposed to research in coral reef biology, coastal protection, and climate change mediation throughout his undergraduate tenure. He designed and evaluated a novel artificial reef structure called SEAHIVE as part of an NSF REU fellowship at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. After this fellowship, he worked on numerous coastal protection projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy, and a variety of private contractors as a member of the internationally renowned SUSTAIN lab at UM. This work inspired an undergraduate honor’s thesis analyzing Red Mangrove’s effectiveness at dissipating incoming wave energy from natural wave conditions and boat wakes. Specializing in Coastal Resource Management, Gerald looks to combat issues that plague global coastlines and maximize green energy potential in coastal regions. I am truly trying to make a change in the world. My unique experiences and opportunities have shaped me as a person and will translate well to any workplace.