Brooke Schaefers received a bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in environmental science from Youngstown State University, and a master of professional science in marine mammal science from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science.

She graduated with a 4.0 GPA following the completion of internships rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing seals/sea lions in northern California and providing the medical care to dolphins in Key Largo, Fla. She is applying to Ph.D. programs specializing in marine mammal research.

Brooke is a 2017 graduate of Slippery Rock Area High School. She lives in Butler.

She is the daughter of Mark and Suzanne Schaefers.