Pursuing a dream below the surface: Alejandra Daniel dives into biology

When Alejandra Daniel crosses the graduation stage with her master’s in biology, she will be one step closer to a childhood dream some said was impossible. As an exceptional dancer growing up, many people saw a future for her in ballet. 

When Daniel expressed interest in science, some tried to stop her from pursuing it, going so far as to tell her she could not handle an academic career and should stick to dance where she was naturally gifted. She began her college years as a dance major, but quickly realized that her hobby was not her career.

“I had worked really hard at dance my whole life, and I had a crisis thinking ‘is this really what I want to do?’” said Daniel. “I did not feel like I was making a difference. I did not think I was going to have an impact on the world.”

Casting the words of her skeptics aside, Daniel transferred to Georgia Southern and enrolled as a biology student where she took the work ethic she built as a dancer and applied it to the classroom. Late nights at the studio became study sessions at the library. The names of French ballet techniques gave way to Latin words for species classifications. Headphones were no longer for dance track rehearsal, they were for locking in on class notes.

Daniel quickly became hooked on science. Most importantly, she realized she excelled at it. She completed her bachelor’s degree and moved on to a master’s program. The moment she knew she had what it takes to be a professional scientist happened nearly 100 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean after Professor of Biology Danny Gleason, Ph.D., encouraged Daniel to learn scuba diving so she could study the coral species of Gray’s Reef firsthand.

“I was scared because I was going to be underwater carrying so much gear and it was a lot to handle,” said Daniel. “Then I got down to the seafloor and realized I was really good at it. All of the dance practice, the hours of training myself to control each part of my body, came back to me and I was right at home with the current.”

The health of coral reefs became Daniel’s favorite topic. Her research on corals gave her the experience of a lifetime when she visited the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. She spent three weeks living on an island, diving the reef and examining the vibrant sea life there. Daniel credits the support she received from faculty like Tyler Cyronak, Ph.D., assistant professor and manager of the Coastal Carbon Laboratory, with helping her build the confidence to seize these opportunities she once dreamed of.

“Dr. Cyronak is incredibly encouraging,” said Daniel. “He is very open to my ideas and is excited about discussing the projects I take on.”

Even before receiving her master’s degree, Daniel’s next chapter of scientific discovery is already underway. She is enrolled as a Presidential Doctoral Research Fellow at Georgia Southern to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental science, on track to become a Triple Eagle. Daniel’s goal is to continue studying coral reefs to create a healthier ocean, and in turn, a healthier world. As she works to build her own dream career, she wants young women to know that there is a place for them in whatever field they choose, no matter what detractors might say.

“I understand why it feels like you are not good enough, but do not believe that feeling,” said Daniel. “With enough hard work, dedication and passion, you can achieve anything you dream of.”