Paula Carlson

Paula Carlson

Director of Husbandry


Dallas World Aquarium

Dallas, TX US


Align yourself with the positive influences in your life that bring you up instead of tearing you down. When you do, you'll be surprised at the capacity of the people in your life to help you achieve your dreams.

Videos

By Roadtrip Nation

Paula Carlson

Milestones

My road in life took a while to figure out.
First seeds of Paula Carson's future aquarium career were first planted in her eight-year-old brain while watching Saturday morning TV.
When she saw Jacques Cousteau and the crew of the Calypso embarking on underwater adventures, she thought, "I want to do that."
She got a pet fish and started reading everything she could on fish, rocks, and anything ocean-related.
In high school, Paula and her mother studied the Texas A&M course catalog to make sure she was on the right track for marine biology.
All the while, she'd never even seen the ocean in person, yet she was absolutely sure that this was what she wanted to do.
Says that looking back, she's surprised that she kept going, considering how many detractors she encountered.
People told her she'd never find a job and she wouldn't be able to have a family, but she tuned out negativity in favor of constructive advice.
Says be willing to let your dreams evolve-never thought she'd be working in a rainforest environment, but wouldn't change it for the world.
Keep following my journey

Career

Director of Husbandry

I manage the staff and aquatic animal collection at The Dallas World Aquarium.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Environment & Nature
Science
Accomplishing Goals

Day to Day

I do a little bit of everything, but mainly help to ensure that the animals receive excellent care, and the visitors have a top quality experience.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for everyone

Don't, be afraid to dream big; never lose sight of that dream. Don't be afraid of new opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone. Be an individual, some of the best dancers, dance to the beat of a different drum. Life is not easy, but it is worth it!

Recommended Education

My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Society in General:

"You'll never find a job if you pursue marine biology. "

Challenges I Overcame

Gender Discrimination
Death and Loss