Two George Washington University students get a full behind-the-scenes experience the Planet Forward Mystic Aquarium Fellowship in Connecticut this summer, from feeding beluga whales to learning about the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of abandoned African penguin chicks. 

The Planet Forward Mystic Aquarium Fellowship, which intentionally partners a scientist and a storyteller, challenges students to transform scientific marine research into visual and engaging journalism.

This year’s fellows and storytelling tour guides are Dre Pedemonte, a graduating senior in English and journalism, and Cecilia Sécola, a rising junior pursuing a B.S. in environmental and sustainability sciences on a pre-veterinary track.

A partnership of science, storytelling

“They’ll have access to all aspects of our mission, front of house, back of house,“ said Allison D. Tuttle, chief zoological officer at Mystic Aquarium. “We’re going to show them everything: how we inspire our guests, how we educate and engage the public, our citizen science efforts, our world-class animal care, and our conservation research.”

The inaugural Planet Forward Mystic Aquarium Fellowship was jointly announced by Planet Forward founding director and GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future executive director Frank Sesno and Tuttle at April’s Planet Forward Summit.

The aquarium and the students

The Mystic Aquarium is a non-profit organization with a mission “to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research.” It’s also an active participant in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Pedemonte is a first-generation Peruvian-American college student who brings curiosity and creativity to her work. She works across mediums — writing, film, music, and digital media — to explore new narratives about people, culture, and the planet. 

Sécola, who grew up in Puerto Rico, credits her experiences there for instilling a deep passion for marine conservation and a strong desire to engage her community through outreach and involvement. She hopes to become a marine veterinarian dedicated to the care and conservation of aquatic wildlife.

Follow along

Sécola and Pedemonte are embedded into the team at the aquarium from early June through the end of July, reporting weekly on happenings and sharing what they’ve learned, as well as publishing a longer story about the important work being done by the scientists at the completion of their fellowship. 

Follow them on Planet Forward’s Instagram and read more here on PlanetForward.org. 

This program was made possible with support by Michael Lech, David Freeman, and the Berl Brechner Fund.