OREM, Utah – Utah Valley University (UVU) has entered into a new institutional partnership with the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA), expanding hands-on learning, undergraduate research, and career-connected opportunities for students across the university.
Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and announced during a public event at the aquarium’s Sam & Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the collaboration strengthens UVU’s commitment to engaged learning and community partnerships that prepare students for real-world success.
The partnership establishes the LLPA as a premier experiential learning site for UVU students and creates a dedicated space for instruction and research within the facility. Through this collaboration, UVU students from multiple disciplines will have expanded access to field-based coursework, applied projects, and research experiences in a professional scientific environment.
“This partnership represents an extraordinary expansion of opportunity for our students,” said Daniel Horns, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science. “By embedding learning directly within a world-class facility like the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, we are creating immersive, hands-on experiences that extend beyond the classroom. This space is designed to serve students from across the university, not only those majoring in science.”
Key components of the partnership include:
- Field-based courses hosted on-site at the LLPA
- Interdisciplinary coursework integrating aquarium science, aquaculture, and hydroponic systems
- Expanded opportunities in marine conservation, animal behavior, and rehabilitation
- Increased undergraduate research and creative work experiences
- Dedicated lab space within the Sam & Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center
The partnership aligns with UVU’s broader institutional initiatives, including the College of Science, which emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities, and the Innovation Academy, both of which advance project-based, interdisciplinary learning in collaboration with campus and community partners. Together, these efforts reinforce UVU’s focus on workforce readiness, applied learning, and student success.
“As a Utah Valley University alumnus, it’s especially meaningful to see Loveland Living Planet Aquarium partner with UVU, an institution deeply committed to education, curiosity, and connection to the natural world,” said Ari Robinson, LLPA COO. “This collaboration reflects our shared mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and take action to improve our global ecosystem for all life on Earth. Together, we’re not just sharing knowledge—we’re cultivating a deeper sense of responsibility and stewardship for the ecosystems that sustain us all.”
The long-term framework established through the MOU supports continued growth in experiential education, expanded student research opportunities, and strengthened collaboration between UVU and community partners. The agreement also enhances pathways for paid student research and applied learning experiences alongside aquarium professionals.
About Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University believes in the power and potential of every student. Our work is guided by a commitment to exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results. We provide a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. From certificates to master’s degrees, UVU offers flexible, relevant programs grounded in hands-on learning and real-world experiences, ensuring that students graduate with career-ready skills and are ready to receive a strong return on investment. As an open-enrollment university, we invite students to come as they are, and they leave prepared to make an immediate impact in their careers and communities.
