This summer, two Carol Stream students got to dive into the world of marine biology. Literally.
Through Shedd Aquarium’s High School Marine Biology program, Sarah Wagner, 17, and Michael Fagan, 16, were able to conduct research and explore the diverse ecosystems in the Bimini Islands of the Bahamas. Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II, served as a floating lab, classroom and home during their learning adventure.
Sarah and Michael were among several local high school students who were able to participate.
For Sarah, a student at St. Francis High School in Carol Stream, participating in the program was a natural progression for her love of marine biology.
“I’ve kind of always been interested in water,” she said. “Even in kindergarten, I said I wanted to be a swimmer.”
Over the years, Sarah’s parents have helped foster that love.
“They always brought us to different marine parks, and we always went to the aquarium and I loved it,” Sarah said.
Michael, who plans to eventually pursue a career in marine biology, heard about the program through a newspaper article and was intrigued.
“I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to not only see what it’s like to be a marine biologist but also to explore the field,” he said.
Before hitting the open water earlier this month, the students prepared on dry land alongside Shedd experts by participating in experiments, activities and classroom discussions to understand the fundamentals of marine biology. Taking the knowledge they gained, students conducted research and examined organisms that live within the Bahamian coral reef.
“It was the best experience of my life,” Michael said. “I loved living on the boat.”
Sarah also enjoyed the program.
“It was something I never really got in classes,” she said. “It was interesting and new.”
The students specifically studied how development affects water quality in different ecosystems.
Next year, Sarah plans to major in marine biology at the University of Miami. As far as her dream job, she said that’s still undecided.
“I want to do research but also be out in the field,” she said.
Michael, who will be a junior this fall, still has some time to decide.
“I definitely want to stick to doing something in marine biology,” he said. “I don’t know exactly what position — like, if I want to do field or lab work. I’m just getting a feel for the field and what’s out there.”
