Gabby Schwager鈥檚 fascination with marine biology began during childhood trips to the North Carolina coast, where she marveled at tide pools and asked questions about the ocean life around her. However, it wasn鈥檛 until she became a student at the University of South Florida鈥檚 Judy Genshaft Honors College that her passion for marine biology truly blossomed. Through interdisciplinary coursework, immersive research projects, and field experiences at USF鈥檚 St. Petersburg campus, Schwager transformed her early curiosity into a dedicated career path focused on marine research.
Choosing USF St. Petersburg
Like most students, when it came time to go to college, Schwager prioritized finding a school that offered strong financial support. 鈥淚t was the money that drew me to USF,鈥� she said, crediting the generous scholarships from USF and the Judy Genshaft Honors College for making her out-of-state tuition more affordable.
While financial accessibility initially attracted her, it was the welcoming community and the beauty of the St. Petersburg campus that ultimately sealed her decision.
鈥淚 fell in love with St. Pete when I toured the campus,鈥� said Schwager 鈥淚t鈥檚 small, walkable, and downtown. It felt like home.鈥�
Diving Into Marine Biology
Although she had long been fascinated by the ocean, Schwager wasn鈥檛 always certain marine biology was the right career path 鈥� until an Honors study abroad trip to Andros Island in the Bahamas provided hands-on exposure to fieldwork.
On the trip, she snorkeled for the first time over vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish, stingrays, and other marine life.
鈥淚t felt like I was in 鈥楩inding Nemo,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淭hat was the moment I realized, I could do this as a job.鈥�
The experience also introduced students to the island鈥檚 culture, where they connected with local communities and learned about the traditions of those who rely on the ocean for their livelihood. Students even had the opportunity to weave and take home handmade baskets, reflecting generations of craftsmanship and cultural pride.
Schwager recalled meeting a man whose son could free-dive 50 feet underwater to harvest sponges. 鈥淚 was impressed with how in touch the locals were with the water and natural elements,鈥� she said.
St. Pete Living
At USF St. Petersburg, Schwager鈥檚 coursework and research experiences helped her gain a greater appreciation for the wide scope of areas and ecosystems that fall under the marine biology umbrella and 鈥� even as a student in sunny Florida 鈥� became interested in polar research. Her coursework with Professor Heather Judkins gave her a wealth of research experience and experiential learning opportunities.
鈥淒r. Judkins was such a wealth of knowledge,鈥� Gabby said, 鈥淎ll of her courses were so immersive and hands-on."
The USF St. Petersburg campus itself allowed her to apply the theories she learned in her coursework to the natural world outside her window.
鈥淵ou can see all the environments you talk about right in your classes. I鈥檝e seen manatees and dolphins in the harbor. It鈥檚 a real-life application,鈥� said Schwager.
Schwager's advanced marine biology course allowed her to get involved in diverse research projects, from studying seagrass beds and fish densities to investigating microplastics and diseases in red mangroves.
She also joined the USF St. Pete鈥檚 Scuba Club, where she earned her scuba certification and dove in places like Devil's Den. 鈥淚t was nice because we were all fast friends. When your down in a cave diving and its dark, it鈥檚 great to have a buddy,鈥� said Schwager, adding that she remains close with her dive partner.
Bold Beginnings
Looking ahead, Schwager plans to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in marine polar research by applying to grad school in Australia and Alaska.
Schwager鈥檚 advice to incoming students, especially those from out of state, is simple: 鈥淐ome down and visit. You can hear about it. You can read about it online. But when you visit you just get the vibe of campus.鈥� Seeing the USF St. Petersburg in person made all the difference for her, an experience she didn鈥檛 get from viewing photos online. 鈥淪t. Pete has a really homey feeling and the people are so nice.鈥�
For those interested in marine research, she recommends diving in 鈥� both figuratively and literally 鈥� through hands-on learning opportunities.
鈥淭ake advantage of the opportunities you have,鈥� said Schwager. 鈥淢arine fieldwork isn鈥檛 for everyone, but you won鈥檛 know until you try it.鈥�