Making Waves with Makenzie Boylston

Biology alumna embarks on internship as research diver in Thailand, makes real-world environmental impact

“This journey isn’t at all what I expected, but there’s so much beauty in that,” she said. “Belmont set me on a path paved with passion. I won’t always know exactly what the next step is, but now I have the skills to learn from any experience, which has been invaluable to me.” 

Fueled by the support and confidence she found both in and outside of the classroom, Boylston seizes every opportunity that comes her way – a continuation of the bold path she paved as a biology student. 

Swimming in Success 

Immediately after graduation, Boylston applied to several open positions in her field. As employment opportunities failed to solidify, Boylston knew she would need to build a network and get field exposure elsewhere. The solution? Independently obtaining her scuba diving license and honing practical maritime research skills. Boylston began her diving education by taking a trip to Bonaire, a Dutch municipality on the coast of South America — both a diver’s paradise and major hub for coral restoration projects — and obtaining her PADI open water certification. 

“For one reason or another, whether it was funding or timing, doors just kept closing,” she shared. “Getting my diving license and becoming confident in the water allowed me to dive in Bonaire and meet incredible people whose passions aligned with mine, which is so affirming right after college."

Boylston also volunteered with the Caretta Research Project, a volunteer-based program in Georgia dedicated to studying and protecting loggerhead sea turtles on Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. There, she lived on a remote island for two weeks and spent her days shoulder-deep in sea turtle nests, studying eggs and hatchlings to track health trends in the endangered animals.  

“The idea everyone has of sea turtles is always really beautiful, but the reality is much more rugged,” she said. “But I really fell in love with that island, the rugged life and just jumping in on new projects. It gave me really great purpose.” 

Fueled by the momentum she created through her dives in Bonaire and research with Caretta, Boylston began relentlessly applying to more internships before landing her position with Global Reef in Thailand.  

Boylston’s preparation to dive in Thailand ignited a passion and curiosity for technological advancements that could benefit marine life in the future. Global Reef is currently working with AI mapping to plan, protect and encourage growth in coral reef colonies — a technology Boylston is eager to use.  

“Working with that technology while diving is the last bit of experience I need to prepare me for a full-time position,” she shared. “Eventually, I’ll also want to further my education, but right now, I’ll be in the perfect place to chase my more immediate dreams and make a huge difference for our sea life.” 

Boylston’s work with Global Reef will put her in contact with divers, scientists and research professionals from all over the world. A unique feature of this internship is that it also functions as a type of immersive classroom for participants, equipping them with the knowledge to identify marine organisms on site, as well as recognize when threats to coral reef habitats are present over a localized area.  

Being able to use her degree for real-world environmental impact so soon after graduation is a point of pride for Boylston. As someone unconcerned with getting her hands dirty, Boylston feels like she can make the most impact from the front lines of conservation efforts, and that by completing her internship, she will be able to help an even greater range of sea life.  

“I know I’ll face a lot of unknowns and challenges while in the internship, but the skills I’m going to gain are priceless,” she said. “I had a bit of imposter syndrome at first about everything, but the closer I get to going, the more that’s replaced by a desire to seize every opportunity I get out there.” 

A Supportive Community Creates Confidence 

Boylston looks back on her college career with gratitude and appreciation for those who pushed her to explore new things. Her current fearlessness in the water began with opportunities to build confidence through researching turtles for the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium (SURS) and instructing spin classes for fellow students.  

“Through my professors and my community, I built confidence to do things I never thought I’d be able to do,” Boylston shared. “From my SURS presentations to working through tough classes, Belmont gave me so many chances to challenge myself while providing support for me to work through anything.” 

As she continues to swim towards the bright future ahead of her, Boylston also recognizes the opportunities she had to connect with her professors that ultimately helped her define a path of positive impact for the world around her.  

“If I could give any advice, it would be to use office hours!” she said. “Talk to your professors and listen to your heart. If you have people to support you, following your passions, even if it’s scary, will be something you never regret doing.” 

With confidence to drive her and an exciting path for the taking, it’s clear that Boylston is already going full-steam ahead towards dreams that make a difference.