Myles Saunders, a recent graduate from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a B.S. in animal sciences, is forging a path in marine science and conservation. Growing up in Portsmouth, Virginia, he developed a love for the ocean but didn’t initially see it as a career option. His passion for music led him to join the school’s band, where a Disney World performance sparked his interest in animal conservation.
After an internship at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where he realized his true passion lay with marine life, Saunders pursued scuba certification, often finding himself as the sole African American in the room. Mentored by instructor Ronnie Brewer, he gained confidence through teaching scuba courses at High Point University.
Saunders also participated in the GVI Marine Conservation and Coral Reef Restoration Program in Fiji and earned certifications in underwater photography. He remains connected with fellow A&T alumni and encourages aspiring marine scientists to embrace opportunities, noting that not having a clear path in college is okay.
Currently, he’s considering continuing his studies at Florida A&M University while also exploring commercial diving. He hopes his journey inspires others not to fear uncertainty and to embrace new opportunities in their educational and career pursuits.
