SCC Student Accepted into Prestigious Marine Biology Program in Florida

Published: 10/20/2020

The University of South Florida College of Marine Science has one of the best programs of its kind in the country. For more than 50 years, they have been a leader in innovative research and public outreach.

In January, SCC student Marisa Mason will be heading south to join the program.

“I’ve always been interested in marine biology,” the former Ft. Zumwalt South student explained. “There is still so much we do not know about the ocean. It is like outer space but on earth!”

When she found out she was accepted into the program, Mason was shocked. Her chemistry professor at SCC, however, was not.

“Marisa is an excellent student that has clear goals and is working very hard to meet them,” said Beth Michael-Smith, associate professor of chemistry. “I have truly enjoyed having her in class the past few semesters and cannot wait to see what she accomplishes in the future. I have no doubts she will be very successful at USF and make SCC proud!”

While she’s certainly excited about the warmer temperatures Florida brings in the winter, Mason is eager to dive right into research.

“I want to discover new things,” she explained, “and I know my time at SCC means I will be prepared for whatever comes my way.”

The 11-acre USF College of Marine Science waterfront campus is the heart of one of the largest marine science hubs in the country that also includes the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the Florida Institute of Oceanography, SRI International, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the U.S. Coast Guard.