By Kristen DeAngelisProfessor of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst & Watertown High School Class of 1993
I joined the Watertown High School Biology Club for the same reason everyone else did: the week-long scuba diving field trip to Bonaire. Never mind that I couldn’t clear my ears at the bottom of the pool, failing my initial scuba test. I went anyway, with my snorkeling gear. We spent hours identifying fish in their coral reef habitats and swimming at pristine beaches. But I also got to see a scientist, my high school biology teacher, Mr. Buckley, in action: collecting specimens, leading discussions on how reef systems work, and giving research presentations to the locals in exchange for our club to get a sunset ride on their catamaran.