Athelstone marine biologist wins international scholarship Stefan Andrews has won a $30,000 marine biology scholarship. STEFAN Andrews grew up amid Athelstone's tall gums and rolling hills, but life is now all about shipwrecks and sea creatures for the 24-year-old. Mr Andrews is the first South Australian winner of the Our World Underwater scholarship, awarded by Rolex. The annual scholarship provides more than $30,000 in airfares and prizes for undergraduate students to gain first-hand experience in underwater and diving-related careers. The University of Adelaide marine biology graduate plans to use his scholarship travelling the globe studying marine conservation. "I've caught the diving bug - it's all I want to do," he says. I want to see what's happening in my field overseas - especially in developing nations - and learn how marine conservation is managed in other places. Mr Andrews began diving with his father Phil after being inspired by seeing a boat full of people covered "head to toe" in scuba gear. I was really, really curious and thought it was such a cool thought to explore underwater. That day inspired me, so me and dad did a diving course together. From then on I was driving down from Athelstone to Port Noarlunga to go diving as often as I could. This month Mr Andrews, who is a qualified scuba instructor, will travel to New York to meet other winners of the Our World Underwater scholarship. He plans to film his travels, hoping to encourage others to become more passionate about the environment. "Video is such a great way to share what is happening around the world," he says. I hope that when people are more aware and more connected to the issues, they are more likely to become involved. I think that's really important.