Inspiring a lifelong interest in marine science

Participating in Northeastern’s Coastal Ocean Science Academy as a high schooler sparked Dello Russo’s interest in ocean ecosystems. Now he’s a student at the university and plans to pursue a career in marine science.

COSA is a two-week summer program during which high school students learn the scientific process from start to finish. Students explore different species and habitats, learn research techniques, and then work with Northeastern researchers to analyze data and complete research projects.

“Through the [COSA] program, I really figured out what I’m interested in. I had so many great experiences over the three years—tidepooling, studying species, and analyzing different marine environments,” says Russo, S’22.

A native of Revere, a city near Boston, Russo grew up loving the ocean and often fished with his father at Revere Beach. He joined COSA after his older brother completed the program.

In his third and final year in COSA, Russo conducted more advanced research, working with Northeastern researchers to collect and analyze data from two types of cod, to determine their differences. He later studied microplastics concentrations in the sand and organisms around the North Shore of Massachusetts.

Now enrolled at Northeastern, Russo is an environmental science major who is participating in a work-study in the lab of Rebeca Rosengaus. He plans to pursue more undergraduate research opportunities, attend graduate school, and work in conservation.

“I want to be out in the field, working directly with wildlife,” he says.

Author: CSI Staff