I am Terron Phillips, son of Tina Phillips, grandson of Sara Adams, great-grandson of Minnie Ellison, great great grandson of Minnie Tigner-Simpson. Born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. I was brought up in a loving family with a strong sense of community, instilling a foundation of loyalty and service within me. I have always had an affinity for learning and exploring. I just wanted to experience everything and know how it all works. Fortunately, I had parents who allowed me to do such. In high school, I was a part of the SCUBA club. I took horseback riding lessons. I was on the track and cross country team as well as the science and engineer club.

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As I began to carve out my career path I fell in love with science and biology. Wanting to follow in my family's footsteps, I made my first goal of going to Tuskegee University. Where I dual majored in animal science and biology. While in college I continued my quest to be a jack of all trades. I joined the YMCA, working as a counselor for after-school programs as well as a lifeguard. I was president of the Georgia club as well as the Pre-Vet Club. Going into my graduate years, I submitted a proposal rebuilding Tuskegee’s Poultry Research Lab which had been condemned for years.

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Volunteering between classes, three other grad students and I cleaned up the lab, rebuilt a barn, then started a small chicken laying program. Helping Animal science students broaden their skill set to open more opportunities in the field. Then I was allowed to draft the proposal that would eventually be submitted to the USDA for funding to build out the program.

After college, I moved back to Atlanta to work at Zoo Atlanta as an animal nutritionist, working mainly with the herbivores. At the zoo, I realized just how fortunate I was to be a young, somewhat successful professional in this field so I started working with my college advisor and started an annual trip for the Tuskegee University Pre-Vet club to Zoo Atlanta. Where I would personally take them behind the scenes to see what exactly an animal nutritionist is. After a few years at the zoo, I hit a ceiling. My priorities changed a little bit as I met the love of my life. In 2019 we tied the knot and it has been wonderful ever since. Wanting to climb further up the ladder, I left the zoo to continue blazing my own path in the animal field. Now I am an animal science researcher currently working in the infectious disease department at the CDC. Recently, in my efforts to constantly keep science in my community, I accepted a role on the advisory board for The Association of Minority Zoo & Aquarium Professionals. Which provides paid internships and mentorships for students trying to get in the field. Having a strong, loving, and joyful family has always been one of the key things helping stay encouraged throughout my life