Andrew Micks
Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?
I'm a professional mariner specializing in supporting scientific expeditions. For the past few years I've been in a similar role in the United States Antarctic Program, running deck operations in a pretty extreme environment, and have started working towards the other end of the world on the University of Alaska's ship. When I'm at home in Washington, I fill in as captain on a few different smaller research vessels and take care of maintenance, planning, and training on a boat that I used to be the sole operator of.
What sparked your initial interest in your career?
I spent 10 years as in the commercial fishing industry and became fascinated by the decisions that management agencies made, influenced by their data-driven understanding of the ecosystem. When I stopped fishing, I knew I wanted to be involved in marine science.
Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?
I'm constantly influenced by the crew members I sail with - hearing about the unique paths and lifestyles that lead people to sea, participating in the camaraderie that comes from ship life, and learning tricks and techniques from all over the industry (and the world).
What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?
I get to work with a wide variety of highly specialized science parties and get a window into their world. Cruise to cruise, I might work with geologists, microbiologists, oceanographers, penguin physiologists, or anything else someone might be able to get funding for days at sea.
What other jobs led you to your current career?
I have been working on boats for most of my adult life - commercial fishing deckhand/engineer/captain in Alaska, fisheries scientist/captain in Washington, captain of a few different research vessels in Washington, and research vessel deck operator/deck lead all over the world.
What are your degrees and certifications?
Able seafarer, 200 ton master, and many more USCG and STCW licenses. B.S. Aquatic and Fishery Sciences - University of Washington.
What are your hobbies?
Mostly different kinds of marine activities - when I'm at home you'll find me sailing, crabbing, kayaking, rowing, paddleboarding, surfing like a kook, or learning to wing foil. I'm a birder and I also recently directed a short play.
What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?
If you want to go to sea, get on any kind of boat you can - you'll learn skills that will get you closer to where you want to go.
