Young Marine Scientist Gets Boost From Croc Hunter
Chicago Teen Getting Adventure Of A Lifetime Through Steve Irwin Fellowship

(CBS) CHICAGO A budding marine scientist is embarking on quite an adventure. CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports on a teenager from the South Side living a dream with help from the late legendary Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin.
Matt Basile, 18, is joining the dolphins in flipping for joy at the Shedd Aquarium, and they’re getting along swimmingly.
“To me it doesn’t seem like it's really happening,” Basile said.
He will spend a week with the aquarium's marine animals and their keepers as the Shedd's first Steve Irwin Fellow. Set up in honor of the charismatic Crocodile Hunter, the fellowship also takes Basile to Australia for a two-week internship with Irwin’s colleagues at zoos there next month.
“It's really the opportunity of as lifetime,” he said.
Visit his Far South Side basement and it is clear Basile was a perfect choice for the fellowship. Eels, turtles, clams and more live in his 75-gallon coral reef tank. He also designed the water purifying system in his giant fresh water tank.
“I know I want to work with the animals and I want to work in the water,” Basile said.
As he gets his feet wet – so to speak – for his future profession, Basile remains in awe of the animals that until now captivated him from afar.
“I really didn’t expect to be able to touch it and interact like I was able to; it was really spectacular,” he said.
Basile is a graduate of the Chicago School for Agriculture, and will attend the University of Illinois in the fall. He's also received awards for his science fair work in coral cloning.