Terese Swartz
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Resume

Terese Swartz

I’m a marine biologist and aquarium leader with extensive hands-on experience in animal care, diving operations, and public-facing science communication. I thrive at the intersection of welfare, systems, and storytelling—making complex environments safe, calm, and inspiring for both animals and people.

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About me

Experienced leader with more than 15 years of experience in public aquariums and living learning environments. Strong expertise in animal welfare, marine ecology, and strategic development, combined with a coaching and inclusive leadership style. Proven ability to build teams, drive change, and deliver results in science-based, public-facing operations.

Interests:Long-distance sportsDog club/community involvement
Location: Gothenburg, SwedenNationality: Swedish

Work experience

Department Head, Living Learning EnvironmentsUniverseum AB

Dec 2025 — PresentGothenburg, Sweden
  • Lead the department responsible for Universeum’s living learning environments, where biodiversity, animal care, horticulture, aquatic environments, safety, visitor experience and science communication come together.
  • Oversee team leadership, recruitment, operational planning, quality assurance and cross-departmental collaboration.
  • Work with a multidisciplinary team to develop and maintain immersive environments that inspire curiosity and support learning about ecosystems, biodiversity, science and sustainability.
  • Connect daily operations to long-term development, ensuring that living environments support high standards in animal welfare, sustainability, learning and visitor experience.

Head of Aqua UnitUniverseum AB

2017 — Dec 2025Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for Universeum’s aquariums, including animal care, life support systems, marine environments and visitor-facing learning spaces.
  • Oversee operations where animal welfare, biodiversity, safety, visitor experience and educational value work hand in hand.
  • Collaborate with specialists across animals, aquatic environments and public engagement to create and maintain environments that spark curiosity.
  • Support visitors’ understanding of ecosystems, sustainability and science through concrete, experience-based learning.
  • Work closely across departments on recruitment, team development and operational planning.
  • Connect daily operations to Universeum’s broader mission around learning, sustainable development and science literacy.

Team Leader, Senior CuratorUniverseum AB

Jan 2012 — 2017Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Led the Aqua department with responsibility for aquatic environments, aquarium-related animal collections, daily operations and team development.
  • Managed staff leadership, animal welfare, habitat quality, water quality routines, diving operations and safety.
  • Oversaw life-support systems, exhibit maintenance and the daily operation of aquarium environments.
  • Worked cross-functionally to support high-quality animal care and effective operations.
  • Contributed to engaging visitor experiences connected to aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity and sustainability.

Senior CuratorUniverseum AB

2010 — 2012Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Responsible for the care, development and daily operation of aquatic animal collections and aquarium environments.
  • Combined curatorial expertise, animal welfare, operational planning and hands-on work with aquatic systems.
  • Contributed to high-quality animal care, habitat development, routines and safety.
  • Supported exhibit planning and the development of engaging aquarium environments.
  • Helped create visitor-facing environments where guests could learn about aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity and sustainability.

Aquarist, DiverUniverseum AB

2008 — 2010Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Worked with daily care, maintenance and development of aquarium environments and aquatic animal collections.
  • Carried out hands-on animal care, including feeding, observation, cleaning and enrichment.
  • Supported diving operations, habitat maintenance and safe working routines.
  • Worked with water quality routines, environmental monitoring and aquatic life-support systems.
  • Contributed to animal welfare and the maintenance of engaging aquatic habitats for visitors.

VolunteerBayworld

2005 — 2006South Africa
  • Worked in an aquarium and penguin rescue center.

Education

  1. 2003 — 2006

    Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science — University of Gothenburg

    Gothenburg, Sweden

    • Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science.
  2. 2005 — 2006

    Exchange Student — Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

    South Africa

    • Exchange studies in South Africa.
  3. 2007 — 2008

    Master’s Degree in Marine Ecology — University of Gothenburg

    Gothenburg, Sweden

    • Master’s degree in Marine Ecology.

Certifications

UL – Developmental Leadership

Universeum

Developmental leadership training, completed during 2023/2024.

LeadershipTeam DevelopmentCoaching

Self-Leadership Workshop

2024

Workshop in self-leadership

Self-LeadershipPersonal Development

UGL – Understanding Group and Leader

2018

Group and leadership training

LeadershipGroup DynamicsTeamwork

Diploma Project Management Training

2008

KPMG/Drivhuset

Diploma-level project management training

Project ManagementPlanningDelivery

Professional Diving Certificates A40 & S30 and Dive Leader Certificate

Professional/commercial diving certificates A40 and S30, plus a dive leader certificate

Commercial DivingDive LeadershipSafety
Oceansdivers, South Africa logo

PADI Divemaster

Oceansdivers, South Africa

PADI Divemaster, completed in 2005/2006.

Scuba DivingDive LeadershipMarine Operations

Media