Andrew Carriero studies marine life and explores future in science

Andrew Carriero holds shells to study the impact of acidification on shells.

by Judy Williams

If you ask Andrew Carriero what he did this summer, prepare for an impressive answer. The Stockbridge High School senior recently returned from the month-long Marine Science High School Course, and he’ll tell you he had “the experience of a lifetime.”

Carriero was selected as one of just 30 students across the United States to attend the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The rigorous, college-oriented marine studies course, offered through Discovery Hall Programs, requires participants to pass eight examinations as well as take notes and complete labs and projects in order to receive credit.

In testament to his abilities, Carriero was one of two fortunate high school students to be awarded the Discovery Hall Program’s Jenny Cook Memorial Scholarship. This funded all his costs except transportation to Dauphin Island, Alabama. He credited recommendation letters from teachers Jason Rickli, Pam Gower, and Laura Bell for helping him earn the scholarship.

Andrew Carriero collects species to observe.

The program, founded in 1971 by the Alabama Legislature, provides marine science programs for many of the state colleges and universities. Today, 23 member institutions partner with the Dolphin Island Sea Lab to provide studies to undergraduate and graduate students. The lab’s mission: To promote conservation through education, research, and outreach by increasing public awareness and understanding of the ocean.

“We would start in the classroom, learning about a topic and then head straight to the field,” the smiling Carriero explained. “Every day was filled with constant learning. The opportunities I was given are invaluable.” As part of the one-month program, the group traveled to Panama City, FL and New Orleans, LA, to work on marine projects.

“I made so many wonderful friends while learning,” he said. “This experience taught me to push my boundaries.”

When asked how he planned to finish out his summer, Carriero replied, “I’m job shadowing various doctors at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea. If I choose to pursue being a doctor, it’s nice to have background on what exactly their job involves. I know that I want to have a career in the medical field. I’m just not sure of what.”

Carriero, who has a strong science background, says he has been pondering biochemistry. “I hope to achieve a PhD in my life,” he said. “I’ll just have to see where my education takes me. I’m open to new plans.”

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