Miranda Goad

2024-2025 Graduate Fellow

Miranda Goad began her Securing STEM Island Pathways fellowship in September 2024. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands in 2023, where she gained hands-on experience through internships in mangrove restoration, sandy beach ecology, and fisheries research with the Virgin Islands Department of Fish and Wildlife. She later completed a short-term fellowship with Navigating Home, contributing to life history research on Stoplight Parrotfish and assisting in the training of an AI program for reef fish identification.

Miranda began the Master of Marine and Environmental Science program at UVI in August 2024 and, after taking a leave of absence in May 2025, remains actively engaged through her part-time work with GRROE USVI Mangroves. She is also involved in a mentoring pod with other Securing STEM Island Pathways fellows and the NSF INCLUDES SEAS Islands Alliance, where she continues to build skills and connections.

Looking ahead, Miranda is excited to continue building expertise in fish biology, particularly in migrations, movement patterns, and nursery site fidelity. She remains committed to contributing her knowledge and energy toward protecting and maintaining the natural environment of her home in the Virgin Islands.