In the fall of 2004, science teacher Rod Gerdsen pulled up to the gates of Blair with a bounce in his step. He had arrived at Blair to, among other responsibilities, teach four sections of ninth-grade biology. The department chair, Dr. Rick Clarke, knew of Rod’s master’s degree in and love for marine biology and assured him he had a goal of expanding Blair’s science electives in the future. At the time, Environmental Science was one of a few advanced courses Blair offered and expanding those opportunities was a focus for the department. In a short time, Rod made a plan and, over the course of the year, created an expansive curriculum. He made an announcement at School Meeting late in the year, much to the excitement of students.

The first year of Marine Science, Mr. Gerdsen oversaw a single class of a dozen students, then it was two sections of 15 the following year. After that, the numbers ballooned beyond a typical classroom capacity, so Rod moved to Cowan Auditorium, where he taught several sections with as many as 25 budding marine scientists. In the years since, the lecture-style space has served the class well, preparing the mostly seniors for their collegiate experience. Rod joked with a smile, “This is the closest I’ll ever get to being a college professor!”

The goal of the Marine Science class is to introduce students to many aspects of the oceans and foster an awareness of society’s connection to the sea. Material covered includes the physical science of oceans, particularly geology and chemistry, and the biology of various marine ecosystems with extensive focus on the living organisms that populate them. Classes include lectures, lab projects, regular class discussions centered on environmental topics and current events, and Long Winter Weekend research trips. Students write several research papers and give presentations on marine science topics.

Of course, as technology has changed over the years, so, too, has the class. Students have received data from oxygen sensors operated by the University of Rhode Island in Narragansett Bay, allowing them to analyze environmental conditions in real time. They’ve explored the undersea realm through the use of virtual reality systems, too, which has only deepened their appreciation for the environment. Over the years, Mr. Gerdsen has also invited speakers to enrich the curriculum, including renowned Rutgers University professor Dr. Richard Lutz, proud parent to Rebecca ’01, Ryan ’05 and Rich ’07, who shared insights about hydrothermal vents in the Atlantic and his research conducted in submersibles a thousand feet below the ocean’s surface.

Since its debut, Marine Science has grown into one of Blair’s signature courses, a perennial favorite for juniors and seniors and a cornerstone of the science department’s curriculum. Students are drawn to it for various reasons. Some have an interest in dissection, a passion for conservation or a fascination with sharks. Often, they are drawn in by Mr. Gerdsen’s enthusiasm for the subject. As one student, Eli Maloney ’25, recalls, “At the new student barbecue, I saw Mr. Gerdsen wearing a shark tie. I went straight to him.” After completing the class, Eli says, “Marine Science was my favorite experience at Blair. Being in a class with a teacher that is so passionate about things I care about was incredible.” 

Growing Ocean Stewards

Marine Science’s popularity isn’t just about the interesting topics or Mr. Gerdsen’s enthusiasm–it’s about the lasting impression the course leaves on its participants. Talking to former students of the course, one commonality emerges: After their introduction to marine science at Blair, many go on to careers in the field, inspired by both their experience in the class and their teacher. Eli, for one, is heading to Boston University next year, where he plans to major in marine science. Lauren Mezzanotte ’12 teaches marine and environmental science at Jensen Beach High School in Florida. She vividly remembers the trip her class took to Turks and Caicos with Mr. Gerdsen. “Nothing can replace being immersed in marine biology like that,” she remembers. “We kayaked through mangroves, held upside-down jellyfish and snorkeled with a guide who inspired me to ask, ‘How do I do this for a living?’” 

Today, Lauren channels that inspiration into her own work, whether dissecting dogfish in the lab with her current students or helping to organize what she proudly notes will be the largest offshore ocean cleanup in Florida’s history. Called “Reel It in for the Reefs,” the cleanup event focuses on removing fishing line from Florida’s shores before turtle nesting season. Last year, volunteers removed 750 pounds of marine debris, primarily fishing line and trash, from wrecks and reefs located off West Palm Beach County, Florida. This year, Lauren has secured more than 20 dive boats and 300 divers and expects to make an even larger impact. (See box for more information.) 

Reflecting on her journey, Lauren believes that much of her desire to pursue conservation and education started all those years ago at Blair. “I fell in love with marine biology and conservation in Mr. Gerdsen’s class. Dissecting sharks taught me the importance of educating others—like debunking the myth that shark fin soup has a medicinal purpose. Now, with reef cleanups, we’re trying to balance the needs of fishermen, divers and wildlife. We are using what we collect to educate, and it all starts with awareness.”

That desire to raise awareness is echoed by another protege of Mr. Gerdsen, Brendan Schaffer ’07. Brendan leads afterschool programs for Wildwood Public Schools in New Jersey, teaching 200 kids daily along the Atlantic coast. His lessons often focus on fostering appreciation for the beauty and importance of the shore. 

“I’ve always had an affinity for the ocean and ocean animals,” Brendan shares. “I grew up snorkeling with my dad. Taking Marine Science at Blair took it to the next level, and I really started to understand the science behind what I had been seeing.” 

After studying ecology and marine science at Rutgers, Brendan landed an internship at the Sanibel Sea School in Florida, teaching children about ocean advocacy. Later, as a naturalist and program director at the Nature Center of Cape May, he introduced students to the aquatic food chain and delighted them with the octopus in his marine lab. Now, in addition to his teaching role in Wildwood, Brendan is also moonlighting as a professional sand sculptor. His expertise in sand and water dynamics—along with his impressive artistic talent—has earned him three first-place titles in the Michigan State Championships of Sand Sculpting. “My whole life has been fostering a love for the ocean,” he shares. “I’m really moved by it. As an ocean advocate, I am tasked to bring the joy that one experiences at the beach and share it with others.”

Reflecting on 20 Years

If you ask Mr. Gerdsen what stands out most in his memory on the 20th anniversary of the class, he will tell you that he can’t pick just one. Some of his best memories have been a trawling trip with students, collaborating with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in Delaware Bay and dissecting a six-foot blue shark, which was caught by a Blair parent, in the courtyard of Bogle Science Center. He will also never forget introducing students to feeding stingrays in the Cayman Islands or guiding them through mangroves and the crystal clear water of the Turks and Caicos islands. “They have all been amazing trips and I’ve been fortunate for the overwhelming student interest,” he notes. 

As Marine Science celebrates its 20th anniversary, its legacy is clear: a generation of students motivated to safeguard our oceans and educate the next generation. “I came to Blair with a lot of ideas and a passion for the ocean,” Mr. Gerdsen reflects. “It’s been amazing to see how the program has grown and how students have taken what they’ve learned and turned it into action. It doesn’t get any better than that.” 

From organizing large-scale reef cleanups to educating students across the country, alumni like Lauren and Brendan demonstrate the deep impact of Blair’s marine science program. And, for current students like Eli, the journey is just beginning. “It’s exciting to be part of a field with people who really care about it,” he says. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”