Marissa Coning is a Program Assistant at the Center for African Studies, contributing to program and database management, among other critical duties. The youngest of seven siblings, Marissa’s family initially moved frequently around the country as part of her father’s career in the military. Upon her father retiring from the military, her family settled down in Gainesville, FL, where Marissa was born. Marissa attended school at Eastside High School and graduated from the IB program in 2010. She enrolled at the University of Florida as part of the Bright Futures Scholarship program, and spent her time working while taking Psychology and Art History classes, including an African Art History course taught by Robin Poyner. Marissa graduated with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Art History in May 2014. Since that time she worked as a lab tech assistant analyzing blood samples before joining CAS in January 2016.
Marissa recently got married on April 1st, 2017 and her future plans include joining her husband in California as he embarks on a PhD program in BioPhysics at Stanford University in the Fall. Marissa’s favorite thing about working as a Program Assistant is working within the communal atmosphere at the Center for African Studies, as well as contributing to general programs. Congrats and we’ll miss you!!