Maia H Griffith

Maia is a marine scientist and technology specialist with experience in marine ecological and biological research using UAS, deep learning, statistical models, remote sensing, and field work. After growing up in Southern California, she graduated from University of California, Berkeley where she partook in research projects ranging from kelp forests to pygmy octopuses to autonomous surface vessels. Upon graduating, Maia worked as a field research technician in the Bay Area studying juvenile salmonids in the river systems before moving to Hawai'i where she monitored hawksbill sea turtles. She then worked for almost 2 years in the Florida Keys as a marine science education coordinator for a small non-profit organization before heading to Duke University for her master's degree.

At Duke, Maia joined the Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab to conduct her research on quantifying shark behavior using drones and deep learning. She also assisted in other research projects including drone surveys at a National Marine Sanctuary and elephant movement analysis using satellite collars. Maia also interned for the National Working Waterfront Network to identify policy gaps for Georgia's working waterfronts as well as potential sources of funding. In her final year at Duke, she joined a research project with The Nature Conservancy studying Caribbean coral reef health where she flew drones, conducted in-water surveys, and analyzed the data. Maia was also involved in various organizations including the Ocean Policy Working Group, Duke Restore, and Bass Connections.

Education

MEM in Coastal and Marine Systems plus Environmental Analytics and Modeling, Duke University
Geospatial Analysis Certificate, Duke University
B.S. in Conservation and Resource Studies, University of California, Berkeley

Professional Service

GIS Day 2025 Planning Team (UNCW)

Community Engagement

Ocean Policy Working Group Action Coordinator (2023-2025, Duke University)
Duke Restore Re-Wilding Team (2023-2025, Duke University)

Honors & Awards

Nicholas Scholar 2023-2025 (Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University)
Career and Professional Development Conference Fund Recipient (Duke University)
Global Student Research Fund Recipient (Office of Global Affairs, Duke University)
European Elasmobranch Association Student Bursary Recipient (EEA Conference 2024)