Graduate Students

Colin Howe

Major and degree pursued: Biology, doctorate

Prospective graduation year: 2026

Experience: Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Graduate Fellow, Median lab

Connect: LinkedIn | Website | Email

What motivates you to do science?

I am motivated to learn as much as I can about corals and how coral reef ecosystems function. This is important because understanding how these ecosystems works will position you to develop the best interventions to protect, conserve and sustainability manage these incredible ecosystems. Earning my Ph.D. in biology from Penn State has allowed me to achieve my goals and expand my skill sets in protection and conserving coral reef ecosystems.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It's a time when traditional identities of scientists are challenged and expanded by Black, brown, and indigenous identities. Its a time when Black, brown and indigenous identities are honored and acknowledged. This is important because representation matters and can inpsire more people of color to see themselves as scientists.