Meet Dara Ojo, advisor in prospect management at the University of Alberta and accomplished macro photographer. Dara has an MBA in information technology, a background in international relations and a passion for capturing the intricate beauty of insects and arthropods through photography.
What is your first U of A memory?
My first U of A memory is meeting my colleagues and realizing how supportive they are, both in my day job and in my photography. They are like family, and I can tell they genuinely care. Although I’m not a graduate of this prestigious university, their support has made my experience here truly special.
What’s something your coworkers don’t know about you?
I used to be in the music business as a music business manager.
What’s your favourite distraction?
Exploring new environments.
If you were enrolling in one course, program or degree right now, what would it be?
Entomology.
You can invite anyone — alive or dead, real or fictional — to dinner. Who would it be?
If I could invite anyone to dinner, it would be my mum, who has passed away. Having the chance to spend time with her again would mean the world to me.
If you could see any live performance tomorrow, what would it be?
If I could see any live performance tomorrow, it would definitely be Burna Boy performing live with his band. The energy and vibe of his shows are unmatched, and it would be an incredible experience to witness it firsthand.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
If I could give advice to my 18-year-old self, it would be: "Easy with the partying, Lol." It's a reminder to enjoy life, but also to find balance and focus on the things that truly matter in the long run.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
One thing I can't live without is my camera. It's not just a tool; it's an extension of how I see and interact with the world, allowing me to capture the beauty and intricacies of nature, especially the tiny details in the insect world that often go unnoticed. Through my lens, I find both purpose and joy.
View Dara’s work on his Instagram, explorewithdara.
What three words describe your U of A experience?
My U of A experience has been enriching, as I've grown both professionally and personally through my work and interactions here. It's been engaging because of the active involvement I've had in various projects, and the meaningful connections I've built with my colleagues. Finally, it's been impactful because of the support I've received and the contributions I've been able to make, both in my day job and through my photography.
Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives you are looking forward to at work?
I do have a project in the works for next summer that I'm really excited about, though I can't share the details just yet. I'm looking forward to the prospect of it becoming a reality and the impact it could have. Stay tuned — there's definitely something exciting on the horizon!
