Encouraged by her parents, from an early age Joan became interested in the life of the oceans, and she hoped to study marine biology professionally. Her father was an avid fisherman who took his wife and daughters on weekend fishing trips, during which Owens became interested in marine life.[3] One of her favorite books was The Silent World by Jacques Cousteau.[1] Mueller graduated from Miami's Booker T. Washington High School in 1950 and was awarded two scholarships, one from the Pepsi-Cola Company and a Sarah Maloney (Art Scholarship) at Fisk University.[3] Joan entered Fisk University in 1950.