Choice of Major Leads to Meaningful Career

Elliott Dominguez knew he wanted to attend MJC on the way to transferring to a four-year university, and he thought he wanted to be an English major. What he ended up doing was trying out music, history and philosophy courses before committing to a degree program in … wait for it … science. 

Today, Elliott is in his second year of a master’s degree program in biology and applied statistics at Northern Arizona University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in microbiology (minor in chemistry). He also works as a graduate assistant, researching ways to better understand the food-web dynamics of mercury (a potent toxin that can affect the nervous system), and to help measure mercury levels found in fish taken from Castle Lake, California.  

“Ultimately, the findings of my study can be used to help evaluate current policy and guide future policy surrounding mercury emissions and regulations aimed at decreasing mercury exposure to humans and wildlife,” he says. 

Elliott’s goal is to continue working in the field of environmental toxicology. “I want to contribute to projects that aim to resolve issues of environmental injustice and help vulnerable populations,” he states. “Importantly, I want my work to be accessible to all – no paywalls, no jargon.”