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Michael R. Smith I was born in Birmingham Ala., but my family moved several times through Georgia following my father's Electrical Engineering career. In 1980, we settled in Wilmington, North Carolina, where I grew up and developed a strong respect and love of the ocean. As a kid, recreation usually involved the water. Camping on barrier islands, skiing, surfing, boating, and excursions in the salt marsh were favorites and enhanced my desire to learn about marine environments. During school, I worked aboard the Henrietta II, a paddle wheel dinner boat on the Cape Fear river, and earned my 100 Ton Captains License at the age of 22. I began a degree in Marine Biology at UNCW, and also became certified to scuba dive. While at UNCW, I learned about the Marine Technology program at Cape Fear Community College. I appreciated the hands-on education they offered and in 1994 I graduated with an Applied Science degree. In 1995, I applied for and took a job in Louisiana where I served as First Mate aboard LUMCON's research vessel, the R/V Pelican. Working aboard the Pelican gave me great experience with seamanship on large vessels, and data acquisition skills - including the use of many types of scientific sampling equipment. However, I wanted to return to North Carolina, so I sent an application to UNCW and was hired as a Mate on their research vessel the R/V Cape Fear. That's where I learned about NURC and the Aquarius program. I volunteered to help with a mission last November (1999), and when a job opened up I applied. I expressed an interest in the program and a desire to work with the. In February of this year, I began work with NURC and Aquarius as a research diver. I've enjoyed learning from talented and hard working Aquarius team. I'm looking forward to another safe mission - my third. |
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