Destiny King ’22, Alumna

For Destiny King ’22, the bridge between art and science is a welcome crossing. She has found ways to bring the two together, and plans to make this connection principal to her future goals.

“I have always been interested in art,” said King. “But, I have a strong interest in science and research as well. Often, people do not immediately see the intersection of these two disciplines. I am grateful that faculty at Bloomfield guided me toward being able to do both.”

As a McNair Scholar, King said she benefited from personalized support. “I was always struggling with my future goals. When I spoke with my advisor about my high school AP studio art class, and that I didn’t want to stop creating art, she introduced me to the field of medical illustration. Ms. Fields helped me figure it out and even though I was a biology major, in sophomore year, I began to add art courses to my curriculum.

The youngest of five siblings, King’s family did not have the means to pay for any further college tuition by the time it was her turn to seek postsecondary education. She knew she needed to seek scholarships to be able to attend and maintain a low debt load.

“I had so many hobbies and participated in many activities. Volleyball was one of them. I played since 7^th grade and did not want to give it up,” said King. “I had high SATs and my high school coaches were directing me to various schools. But I had been to a volleyball tournament at Bloomfield College and really liked the area and the fact that it was a small school. I went out of my way to look into Bloomfield, and it turned out to be a great choice for me. I received a great academic scholarship and then an athletic scholarship. Funding my education without financial resources from my family became easier.”

King attended Bloomfield’s summer Learning Enrichment and Academic Program (LEAP) program prior to her first fall semester. “LEAP helped me prepare for college with math and writing tutoring and I earned one college credit early that summer. I didn’t know anyone, and I was scared at first. But the program gave me the chance to feel comfortable on the campus before everyone started the fall semester, and I quickly learned my way,” said King.

In addition to playing volleyball at Bloomfield, King got involved in Student Government and served as treasurer of the freshman class. She also joined the Honors Program, and organized and led study groups as a calculus and biology tutor. As a rising sophomore, she became a Peer Mentor Tutor and served in this role every year until graduation.

In King’s junior year, she applied and was accepted into a summer research program in scientific illustration through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “It was a molecular biology program. I was assigned to a mentor who listened to my interests and helped me customize my research. She was able to put me together with working in the entomology lab and creating science-related art while researching bioluminescence and fireflies,” said King. “Through this experience, my path began forming.”

With support from her Bloomfield faculty, King also gained experience presenting at a number of conferences. A virtual conference at the University of Maryland McNair Scholars & Undergraduate Research Conference came first. This was quickly followed by a Human Studies drawing honors option at the Virtual Northeast Regional Honors Conference. And, in spring of 2022, King was recognized as a Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) award winner at the organization’s 2022 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) for her presentation in the natural and physical sciences entitled Twinkle, Twinkle, Variable Star, How I Wonder How Far You Are. The award, two years in the making, followed co-publication of the research in a refereed publication, the Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (JAAVS0).

“I’ll always be grateful to Dr. Murphy who first introduced me to the McNair program. And to Dr. Nicolaides who guided me to research opportunities,” said King. “Professor Seaton and Professor Y also inspired me. At Bloomfield, there were so many great professors who truly cared and guided us, especially when we were struggling. Through my faculty, I learned that if I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it well. They encouraged me and believed in me more than I believed in myself. What I received is irreplaceable.”

King spoke of the lifelong friends she has made at the College. “Even just speaking with peers who were all going through the same struggles provided tremendous support. This is what a close community does, and I’ll never want all the connections I made to end. I know I’ll also be staying in contact with my professors and that they will continue to support me. I plan to come back to speak, to share my knowledge and experience with future students so they will see what is possible and that they, too, can accomplish their dreams.”

During the remainder of 2022, King said she will devote her time to researching graduate school opportunities. “I want to work in a laboratory over these next months, and take the time to narrow down what type of science I want to get my Ph.D. in. I also want to find a mentor related to medical illustration. I plan to join a professional organization and focus on building my portfolio. By year’s end, I expect to be ready to submit applications to master’s or doctoral programs. Right now, I am leaning toward human biology, and am excited by the possibility of playing a role in expanding the representation of people of color in this STEM field.”