Mission & Project Info | NOAA’s Aquarius Undersea Laboratory
Mission Blog

Elizabeth O asks: I am 15 years old and it has been my dream to become a marine biologist. I live in Florida, so I was basically raised at the beach. I am very serious about it and my goals are to stay in the Aquarius for a mission, and possibly work for NOAA when i get older. I am taking Marine Biology in 11th grade next year and am starting online college classes as well. My question is what are some specific classes in college that I should be taking?

Dear Elizabeth,

And we hope that one day you will indeed do a mission in Aquarius! In addition to taking marine biology classes, you need to get a solid background in science and math in both High School and College – that means biology, math, plus chemistry, geology, and physics.  Then when you go to graduate school you can focus more on ocean science already having a good foundation in science.

One of the other important things for you to do, is to get involved in related activities outside of school, such as summer programs, internships, or volunteer at a local aquarium, marine institution, or nature center.  These sort of activities will get you hands on experience and introduce you to people working in the field.  Check out www.vims.edu/Bridge or www.eco.org for more information.

Good luck and study hard.

Ellen Prager, PhD
Science Advisor, Aquarius Reef Base

PS: For all those asking about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, we are monitoring the situation in case oil heads towards the area and will take appropriate action if this happens – thanks for your thoughts, we are all hoping for the best for the people, wildlife, and environment being effected.