Darian Lisle ’24

Why did you choose Unity?

Pursuing higher education was always the goal within my academic career. I am currently in my dream field as a marine biologist and I felt that it was the right time to continue my education. Unfortunately, if I wanted to pursue higher education, I would have had to leave my current job to follow through with a Master’s program. Thankfully I found Unity Environmental University and their online Master’s program! I was able to keep my career and study at the same time.

What made your experience at Unity special?

Unity is special to me because of how flexible the coursework and advisors were. Going from school being the main priority my entire life to then juggling a full time job in a new state during a pandemic was a wild change. Unity was able to make the balance manageable.

Where has your career taken you?

I am a Quarantine Aquarist at the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut.

How has your Unity education benefited your career?

My education has gone hand in hand with my current job as an aquarist. My job is to care for specifically a wide range of fish and invertebrates and teach the public how important these species are to our environment. Being able to utilize courses that guide us to talk with non-scientific professionals to understanding oceanic litigation has increased my public speaking skills and my interest in governmental affairs.

What advice would you give to current students?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If something doesn’t look right or you may not understand something, please ask! Also, fear is just a feeling and it’s not permanent! Shoot for the stars.