Siobahn S.
“Through my studies at Unity, I’ve learned how important it is to turn science into action.”
Some students choose a major. Siobahn chose a mission.
Growing up, she always knew she wanted to work with animals and protect the natural world. The question was never whether she cared, it was which corner of the planet she would dedicate herself to saving.
When her sister enrolled at Unity Environmental University to study wildlife conservation, Siobahn found her answer.
“I guess I decided that she can focus on saving the land and I’ll save the ocean,” she says.
After high school, she took a few years to work and reflect, giving herself the space to be certain about her path. She already knew Unity was the right place, the mission aligned with her own from the start. When she enrolled in the Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture program, it wasn’t a leap. It was a decision rooted in purpose.
At Unity, she found a place that reinforced that choice.
“Every class revolves around the environment,” she explains. “I know everyone I’m in school with cares about the planet as much as I do… and that’s exciting.”
But for Siobahn, learning about the ocean was only the beginning.
While completing her coursework online, she founded Blue Future Maine, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring young people to connect with the ocean and take part in conservation efforts.
“I created Blue Future Maine because I care about the future of our planet and the generations that will inherit it,” she says. “If kids grow up feeling connected to nature, they’re far more likely to protect it.”
Her education at Unity played a direct role in shaping that work. Courses grounded in real-world environmental challenges taught her not only the science behind marine ecosystems, but how to communicate those ideas in ways that reach people.
“Unity has helped me realize that education and outreach are just as important as research,” she explains. “Blue Future Maine is my way of bringing those lessons to life.”
She is working to help the next generation see themselves in STEM and understand that their actions matter. Her mission is to inspire everyday ocean conservation, starting locally in Maine and expanding outward to create global impact.
“What surprised me most is how applied and mission-driven the coursework is, even online,” she says. “We’re constantly connecting what we learn to real conservation challenges.”
That approach, combined with strong instructor support and a shared sense of purpose among students, has made her experience feel both personal and practical. It has also allowed her to build something tangible alongside her education.
Unity’s flexibility has given Siobahn the space to grow Blue Future Maine while earning her degree, turning ideas into action in real time.
As for the future, she isn’t limiting herself to a single role.
She wants to work hands-on with marine ecosystems such as cleaning oceans, restoring coral reefs, and traveling to share her passion with others. Her goals are wide-ranging, but the focus is consistent: do everything possible to help the planet thrive.
“I don’t have one specific job I want,” she says. “I just want to do everything and anything to help our planet.”
At Unity, Siobahn found more than a degree program. She found a way to turn urgency into action and a place that shares her commitment to protecting the planet.
You don’t have to wait to make an impact. Explore Unity’s Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture program and start building your own path toward meaningful environmental work.
