Objectives
Following this lesson, students will be able to:

• Name at least 5 careers in marine and aquatic science, including both the oceans and Great Lakes
• Identify several recent contributions people have made in marine and aquatic science fields
• Describe a marine or Great Lakes science career that interests them

Summary
A variety of people make their living studying the oceans and Great Lakes or educating others about these valuable natural resources. Yet for many students in the U.S., these careers may seem relatively remote or unattainable—until they learn about the actual people who do them. This activity will help students become familiar with possible and exciting careers.

Background
"I have always loved the water. Since junior high school, I was certain I wanted a career that would involve the ocean," says Ocean Engineer Dianna Bo. For some young people, that’s all it takes—an early fascination that leads to a lifelong passion. Others, however, may not realize that related careers even exist, much less that they would enjoy the work!

Bo is one of more than 50 people profiled on web pages created by WHOI and NH Sea Grant programs (see: Marine Careers website) The pages provide an excellent introduction to a wide range of marine career fields and to people working in those fields. The featured men and women tell how they got started in their careers, what they like and dislike, and give advice for young people. Fields covered include marine biology, oceanography, ocean engineering, and related fields such as marine law, education, and economics.

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