Amanda Schuermann came to Bemidji State University with a love for the North Woods and left with a passion for aquatic invertebrates and a full fellowship to pursue her doctorate at the University of Minnesota.

A 2023 graduate of Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, Schuermann earned her bachelor’s degree in biology before enrolling in BSU’s graduate biology program. The move to Bemidji was part academic, part personal.

“My family had been taking me to Bemidji on fishing trips every year since I was young, so I grew up loving this area,” she said. “When it came time to start looking at graduate programs, I was excited by the idea of moving up to an area that means so much to me.”

Schuermann connected early with her advisor, Dr. Debbie Guelda, who introduced her to aquatic biology — a field not offered at her undergraduate institution. What started as a new academic challenge quickly became a career-defining focus.

“I didn’t know I was passionate about aquatic invertebrates until I came to BSU,” she said. “Seeing how enthusiastic Dr. Guelda was about the research really jump-started my passion. That sort of excitement is infectious.”

Her passion translated into action. Schuermann completed her thesis research in just 18 months while balancing coursework and fieldwork. She credits her success to her advisor, the faculty in BSU’s biology department and a strong cohort of fellow graduate students.

“I was swept away by how exciting I found my project,” she said. “It never felt like a chore — I just didn’t want to stop.”

Schuermann’s journey continues this fall at the University of Minnesota, where she will join the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) under the mentorship of BSU alum Dr. Nick Phelps and Dr. Gretchen Hansen. Her research will focus on northern Minnesota lakes, a landscape she’s excited to stay connected with.

“Being told I would receive fellowship funding was a surprise,” she said. “It gives me the freedom to pursue more research, collaborate with other students and get involved in the campus and local communities.”

Schuermann says her time at BSU was transformative, not just academically, but personally.

“BSU has helped me grow into the academic I want to be,” she said. “The research, the courses and the teaching all helped shape my path.”

Her advice to students considering a similar path?

“There’s great power in saying yes and trying new things,” she said. “You never know what might become a lifelong passion if you don’t give it a fair shot.”