: During her service, she found the military culture "toxic" and was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder .

Brief summary of Abby Winters’ work (e.g., research on marine microbial loops, seagrass restoration, or climate impacts on intertidal zones). Include key findings and implications for marine policy.

Winters describes her public storytelling as her own form of "justice," using her platform to warn others about toxic relationship dynamics and domestic abuse.

In 2021, Winters was the victim of a near-fatal shooting by her son's father, who then died by suicide. She was shot three times—once in the face, heart, and lung—and has since undergone numerous surgeries, including major reconstructive procedures for her eyelid and eye socket. She has documented her recovery journey extensively on her TikTok account, @snapbackssandtattoos , and was featured on the true crime documentary series Evil Lives Here to highlight the "red flags" she experienced in her past relationship. 🛡️ Advocacy and Survival