Texas State Aquarium
Tom Schmid has a diverse work experience in the marine and aquarium industry. Tom served as the President & CEO of the Texas State Aquarium since 1999. Prior to that, they worked at NAUTICUS-The National Maritime Center as the Director of Operations from 1993 to 1996. Tom also gained experience as a Senior Aquarist at Sea World from 1987 to 1993.
Tom Schmid earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Stetson University, where they studied from 1980 to 1984. Subsequently, they pursued a Master's degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Central Florida from 1984 to 1988.
Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium is bringing the sights, sounds and vibrant wildlife of the Western Caribbean to the shores of South Texas. By interpreting the unique features of both is well on its way to becoming one of the premier aquariums in the nation. With the creation of the Caribbean Journey, the Texas State Aquarium is positioned to become a global leader in fostering support for the conservation of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Education is the cornerstone of our mission at Texas State Aquarium. Our educational experiences – from field trips to summer camp to distance learning- are designed to promote inclusive and collaborative learning, foster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) exploration and discovery and empower learners of all ages to reach their full potential. Through its Flint Hills Resources Center for Excellence in STEM Education, the Texas State Aquarium brings together best practices and innovation from the fields of education, research and industry to advance STEM education and learning, in and out of the classroom, in south Texas and beyond. Flint Hills Resources has also been our longtime presenting partner for our Aquavision Distance Learning program. Each year, thousands of protected, threatened, or endangered species along the Texas coast become ill or injured. Some have been impaired by predators, diseases, other natural causes, and even humans. This includes entanglement in fishing line, nets, or lures, and even illegal harassment and shootings. The goal of our Rescue Center is to rehabilitate and, whenever possible, return the animals to their natural environment. The Aquarium’s Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation Program is federally permitted and operates under rigorous standards established by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).