The top priority at the College of Coastal Georgia is student success and providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue—and thrive in—their careers. The School of Arts and Sciences wants to recognize several students, both current and former, pursuing studies in the Natural Sciences Department who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance.
Senior Cameron Atkinson was awarded the Nathan Deal Conserve Georgia’s Natural Resources Scholarship. He was the sole recipient in the entire state of Georgia. Atkinson was unanimously selected as the top applicant because of his motivation, focus, and dedication to conservation efforts. He is a double major, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences with a concentration in coastal ecology and a B.S. in environmental science. His plans are to become a marine fishery biologist and help restore and manage fish habitats. Atkinson has also completed an internship with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division and is active in various research projects. He is considered by his professors to be a great student with an incredible work ethic.
Coastal Georgia alum Daisha Alston graduated in December 2018 and earned a B.S. in biology with a concentration in biomedical sciences. Alston was recently accepted into four dental schools and has chosen to attend the University of Florida College of Dentistry starting in August. During her time at the College, she served as president of both the Biology Club and Presidential Student Ambassador Program, was a tutor, and did outreach education in the community. In preparation for her career in the medical field, Alston spent a summer at the Augusta University Medical College of Georgia’s selective Student Educational Enrichment Program. She also conducted research on dental caries and cavities, and gained invaluable experience as a dental assistant during her last year at Coastal Georgia.
Senior Michael Spinger has been accepted to the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s School of Dental Medicine in Florida. Spinger has been recognized on both the President’s List and Dean’s Lists for multiple semesters. In addition to his studies, Spinger plays for the Mariner Men’s Golf Team. He was named to the Academic All-Conference Team for two consecutive years for maintaining at least a 3.5 grade-point average while playing in a number of golf events. Spinger plans to open his own practice specializing in endodontics.
Dual Enrollment student Madison Lee will graduate with a B.S. in biology in May before graduating with her high school diploma in June. Lee, 18, is a senior at Brunswick High School. She is very interested in virology and hopes to pursue a career in infectious diseases, working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lee is currently considering her options for graduate school. So far she has been accepted into a master’s program at John Hopkins and will interview for a doctoral program at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine in Galveston, Texas. In her spare time Lee loves to ride and take care of horses and she volunteers at animal hospitals specializing in equine medicine.
Dr. Colleen Knight, chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and associate professor of chemistry, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Johnny Evans Jr. both commend the students for all their hard work.
“I am very proud of these students for working so hard and being engaged in their academics,” Knight said. “I am also extremely proud to be a part of a team of faculty who care about student success and give their all to help students succeed—just as these students have.”
“These are just a few examples of the kinds of outstanding students we have at the College. What they have accomplished so far at their ages requires a lot of motivation and self-discipline. We are so pleased to be a part of their journey,” Evans said.