There’s shrimp-ly a sea of clubs throughout Robinson, all floundering to get the attention of the students at Robinson. But, with an ocean of niches and possibilities, one club has exhibited school-wide popularity: the Marine Biology Club! With 100 students partaking this year, the program has been nothing less than sand-sational.
Sponsored by Tiffany Oliver, HL IB Biology teacher, Marine Biology has been a staple of her life well before she began teaching. Receiving her master’s degree in the subject years before becoming a full-time educator and working as a research scientist, Oliver’s passion for Marine Biology extends far beyond the IB curriculum.
With a fervid interest in the beautiful life beneath the ocean, she’s made it her mission to spread interest to young students.
“I love to bring my excitement and passion to get students interested. It’s so relevant and so interesting,” Oliver said.
With her assistance, there are many students leading the Marine Biology Club, like Captain Rhys Sheldon (’26).
“I really loved learning about all things marine bio. So, me and my best friend Audrey [Coleman (’26)], took matters into our own hands, with the goal in-mind to provide the most hands-on experiences high schools could have,” Sheldon said.
The club meets at the last period every club day. During club meetings, there are a plethora of activities to be excited for on these meets.
More notably, the club also hosts monthly beach cleanups at local Tampa shores.
“There’s only been one beach cleanup, but they have more planned.” said Lexi Suzuki (’25), a Marine Bio Club member. “I love the Marine Bio. Club so much because I get to learn more about sea creatures, because of events like the beach cleanups.”
Home to world renowned beaches, Florida has a large issue with beach pollution, much of which gets drawn into the ocean everyday.
“[Litter’s] not just a nuisance or a visual problem, but it’s creating a larger problem in our marine ecosystem, and it can affect not just all the organisms in the ecosystems, but also humans,” Oliver said.
These neighboring beach cleanups allow for others to make connections with like-minded individuals who are passionate for local sustainability while receiving volunteer hours at the same time. Furthermore, the recycled debris will be used to make artwork for a future exhibit at the Florida Aquarium.
“With the beach cleanups, we collect the materials and sterilize it. Then we’re going to create artwork with it and it’s going to become an exhibit within the Florida Aquarium,” Oliver said.
In fact, a special partnership was appointed between the club and the Florida Aquarium. With this grant, some of the students participating in the Marine Biology Club may be given special opportunities later in the year.
“Because of this grant, students are working on with the Florida Aquarium, we are working on two events [later in the spring],” Oliver said. “We’re going to have an arts and crafts night at the aquarium, and I get to take them [Selected Students] on a special field trip.”
If you’re truly passionate or interested in the study of marine biology, you can join the club now; with the club due being $15, Mrs. Oliver would love to kelp you join in room 11-120.
