While most students were stuffing their faces last Thanksgiving, senior Andrew Petlock was gliding through crystal clear waters and studying tropical fish.

Petlock traveled to Belize on a week-long marine biology trip last November where he spent time snorkeling and investigating various aquatic animals.

“In the past, I went to this summer camp called the Acadia Institute of Oceanography,” Petlock said. “Every few years they offer a tropical marine biology program. This year it happened to be in Belize.”

Aside from snorkeling, Petlock spent his time doing various oceanographic tests like pH sampling. One of the highlights of the trip was when he visited a place called Shark Ray Alley.

“It’s a spot where there are hundreds of nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles that just swarm the water when you chum the water,” Petlock said.

Petlock has spent years studying life below sea level, and has had a passion for marine biology ever since he was a young boy.

“I think the key moment that really sparked my interest was when I was in second grade. My parents took me to the marine biological lab up at Woods Hole and they had this touch tank,” Petlock said. “There was this squid, so I decided to pick it up, and when I picked it up it turned bright red and sprayed ink all over the place. Something about that just cemented marine biology in my head.”

Marine biology has been a part of Petlock’s life ever since, as he has participated in a variety of marine biology related activities.

“I do [marine biology activities] all the time,” Petlock said. “I have done various programs through the aquarium, and just for a pastime I like going tide pooling and maintaining salt water aquariums.”

Last semester, Petlock brought his passion for marine biology into the classroom. He enrolled in Biotechnology 2, an independent study with science teacher Christine Thompson.

“I had him do research on a topic of interest in marine biology. He wrote a review paper on some aquatic [animals], mostly mammals,” Thompson said. “Then we designed experiments, so he set up my aquarium as salt water. He brought in some organisms and did some behavioral studies on different types of crabs.”

Petlock plans on studying marine biology in college and pursuing it as a career. Disregard business casual, a wet-suit and tie is the perfect attire for Petlock’s future occupation.