Hands-on learning draws Allie Unger to VIU Fisheries and Aquaculture diploma

In the wake of the pandemic, Allie Unger decided to make changes in her life. She worked in communications and graphic design but craved hands-on learning in a coastal outdoor setting. She enrolled in VIU’s Fisheries and Aquaculture diploma.

“At the time, I was living in Calgary, the city I grew up in. I was drawn to the Fisheries and Aquaculture diploma because it is designed to be hands-on, focused on practical work skills and efficient. It could be completed in two years, which also means it is affordable compared to a lot of university programs,” says Allie. “It also offers small class sizes and a dedicated, approachable faculty who look out for students as individuals and help connect them to work opportunities.”

One of the challenges Allie faced was moving away from her hometown, but she was fortunate to have supportive family and friends. 

“It was, and still is, difficult to be apart from them. I think anyone who has moved away from their hometown can relate to the challenges of starting from scratch in a new place,” says Allie. “I’m grateful for the new connections and friendships I’ve made since moving to the Island, and those who helped me feel at home here.”

Allie is this year’s recipient of VIU’s Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal, which is awarded annually to the student graduating with the highest academic standing in a diploma program. 

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Bronze Governor General award because it affirms that with dedication, enthusiasm and support from my loved ones, I am capable of stretching myself to excel in brand new things,” says Allie.

Allie Unger

Hands-on learning opportunities were a highlight of Allie’s time at VIU. She participated in snorkel surveys of the Nanaimo River to count migrating salmon, grew microalgae at the Deep Bay Marine Field Station, dissected fish specimens and viewed plankton species under the microscope. 

“A huge thank you to the Fisheries and Aquaculture faculty and Deep Bay Field Marine Station staff, who took the time to get to know me as an individual and went above and beyond to advocate for me,” says Allie. “Also, a shoutout to my classmates, a truly memorable group of people who took me on fishing trips, brought me fancy study drinks, left goofy notes on the blackboard and supported me through the tough days. Thanks for making this experience fun!”

Allie graduated this June and now works as a stock assessment technician with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. She is involved in the creel survey in Barkley and Clayoquot Sound, which collects data about sport fishing.

“The west coast of Vancouver Island boasts some of the most remarkable coastlines in Canada, and I feel fortunate to contribute to data collection and monitoring of the fish species that live there. Nanaimo is home to me now, and I hope to continue working in the area for the foreseeable future,” she says.

When she’s not working, Allie enjoys making things with her hands. She likes gouache painting, printmaking, graphic design, ceramics and video editing. A mural Allie painted of a red rock crab life cycle is in the stairwell of Building 480 at the Nanaimo campus.