2025 Award Recipients
Wil Briggs is from Madison, Alabama. He started attending Calhoun Community College during high school and then continued his education at Athens State University where he graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics. After some travel across the United States and Canada, he became interested in working outdoors. He then went on to Alabama A&M University where he graduated with a B.S. in Forestry.
During his undergraduate studies and after graduation Wil was afforded varied experiences with forest research. He worked as an undergraduate research assistant at Alabama A&M University, participated in a research experience for undergraduates (REU) in Ethiopia with Colby College, served as Forestry Aid on the Talladega National Forest, Oakmulgee Ranger District, and worked as a Forest Internship Research Student Training (FIRST) intern at the Northern Research Station - Baltimore Field Station. He has also created and maintained an Android app named "Plant Species Database" which allows for offline access to the plants.usda.gov database, and features an improved wetland classification map.
Wil is currently pursuing a M.S. in Plant and Soil Science. His master's project is to measure and estimate the effect of prescribed fire on carbon fluxes and water fluxes in shortleaf pine stands. He has presented a poster on the effects of drought on tree radial growth of two southern pine species in northern Alabama at a convention in late 2024 where he worked on the statistical analysis. And he will be presenting a poster later this year on his own research that examines the effects of fire on evapotranspiration in shortleaf pine stands in northern Alabama using remote sensing.
After graduation he is interested in continuing research and working on a long-term research project in an experimental forest.
Wil Briggs
“I am Alexis-Marie Parrish, a first year graduate student in Family & Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design! I am a recent Alabama A&M graduate with a degree in a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. I have a passion for sustainability and creating a better future. I plan to combine my undergraduate studies and future Master’s degree to create sustainable clothing and alternatives to fast fashion. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to complete my degree alongside the assistance of the Green Gift.
“This award will help me pursue my graduate degree by allowing me to have more financial support and allowing me to worry less about how I will pay for my education. Any amount will help me and I am grateful to have be selected among other scholars to receive this award! I am excited to continue to learn and educate myself on how I can be part of a more sustainable future with the help of this award!
Alexis-Marie Parrish
“A native of Greenville, MS, born and raised. As a child, I attended Ella Darling Elementary School, where I planted my first seed. Later in childhood, I was exposed to agriculture by my family and community, where I learned to grow peppers, greens, and later, soybeans. While attending Ole Miss, I worked part-time at a small tomato farm, where I first learned how to stake tomato plants. Fast forward, I am currently a graduate student majoring in Food Science/Product Development.
“This award will help me financially as I can apply it to my tuition and buy school supplies. Research papers are not free and I can use this award to purchase review articles. Additionally, I can pay for expenses such as food or rent. Whichever way I decide to apply the funds it will help me in my academic endeavors and ease my financial burden.
Gabriel Wigfall
Originally from Washington, D.C., Kaylah Bias is a PhD student in Food Science with a concentration in Product Development at Alabama A&M University. Her research focuses on the development of functional gluten-free pastry products targeting celiac disease. She earned her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Food Science and her M.S. in Agricultural Science with a concentration in Food Science from Florida A&M University. Her work integrates product development, nutritional biochemistry, and sustainability, with a focus on formulating innovative gluten-free baked goods that promote health and accessibility for individuals with celiac disease. She has hands-on experience with antioxidant assays, product formulation, and quality control analysis. Beyond research, Kaylah is passionate about mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Her long-term goal is to advance the field of functional food development through academic research and industry collaborations to improve global health outcomes.
“This award will give me the support I need as I continue pursuing my PhD. It will ease some of the financial stress that comes with graduate school and allow me to focus more on my research instead of worrying about expenses. My work centers on developing functional gluten-free pastry products for people with celiac disease, and this award will help me cover research costs, materials, and opportunities for professional growth. Most importantly, it will give me the chance to put more energy into my goals of creating healthier food options.With this support, I’ll be able to move closer to my long-term goal of improving public health through food innovation and making a positive impact in my community and beyond.
Kaylah Bias
Angel Huff is a graduate student at Alabama A&M University pursuing a degree in Biology/Psychology. Her interest in the field is deeply personal, shaped by growing up with a mother who battles lupus. What began as more than just a textbook term became a lived experience that sparked her fascination with the human immune system and its genetic complexity. Motivated by this, Angel is dedicated to completing her master’s degree and continuing her education in medical school, with the goal of becoming a pediatrician and eventually a primary care physician.
“My childhood experiences sparked a lasting curiosity about the human body, particularly the immune system and its genetic complexities. In my graduate studies, I’ve been able to connect my personal motivations with academic knowledge, and that combination has strengthened my commitment to medicine. I am fascinated by how science can bridge the gap between understanding illness and improving lives, and I want to be part of that work.
