Tom Campbell has had a handful of thriving careers — from swimming out of submarines as a Marine Corps diver to filming sharks for reality TV. And each move he credits to a mentor. The high school dropout, 73, found that formal education was never a fit, but personal guidance proved invaluable. It’s this thinking that prompted him, along with partner Beth Davidow, to create Ocean Gems, a program airing online and shot on location that details how various female marine biologists went from childhood dreams to full-time success stories.

Q: Why focus on girls?
A: Originally, we found a lack of women in ocean studies. Plus, it’s easier to get grant money for programs benefiting 13- to 17-year-olds.

Q: What was your inspiration in creating Ocean Gems?
A: We’re hoping that if we turn out even one scientist from the 100 young people watching, then we’ve done something good for the ocean.

Q: How are you hoping to create budding scientists?
A: We all do what we do because we saw someone else do it. Someone gave us direction, which gave us a goal. Without a goal, you are a giant sailing ship with no rudder, going in circles. Our shows give young people plans to know where to go.

Q:** How can girls get involved?**
A: We connect each girl with a scientist who studies the animal that interests her.

Q: Tell me about the scientists.
A: We haven’t talked to a scientist yet who has turned us down. Our network is growing so quickly. Right now, we probably have 35 marine biologists standing by. They study everything from kelp to whale sharks.

Q: Any regrets?
A: I’d much rather be doing this than reality TV.

Learn more at ocean-gems.org