Meet Mya

Mya Darsan is a senior majoring in Biology and Environmental Science with a specialization in Ecosystems at UAlbany. “I will admit this is an intensive degree that I’m pursuing,” says Mya “but I decided to do this because I am extremely passionate about ecology and the environmental sciences.”

After completing her degree at UAlbany, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution with a focus on “microbial ecology, disease ecology, and symbiosis in invertebrates.” Mya loves the research she has been involved in during her time at UAlbany and the summers in-between. This past summer she participated in a 10-week program at the Mystic Aquarium-UCONN Avery Point REU.

"...I am extremely passionate about ecology and the environmental sciences."

During the school year she works with UAlbany Professor Michael Gerdes at Capital Corals. Their research is aimed at improving restoration efforts for coral reefs. As the President of UAlbany Students for Sustainability, Mya is also working to spread her passion for conservation and environmental science through student-led projects on campus and in the local community.

Mya also greatly appreciates the support she received this year through The Vincent ’77 and Carol Idone ’78 Endowed Scholarship. Established by Vincent and Carol Idone, the scholarship aims to support Environmental Science students like Mya and her fellow classmates in UAlbany’s Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences.