Biology alum shares animal rescue journey at Mystic Aquarium

"Every day is different," said Eastern Connecticut State University alumna Jessica Verrato at a seminar on Oct. 25, as part of Eastern's Biology Seminar Series.

Verrato works as a rescue technician at Mystic Aquarium and rescues stranded, injured and sick animals throughout Connecticut and Block Island, RI. "You never know what the day is going to bring, whether that is a good or bad thing ... it keeps it exciting," she said.

Verrato graduated in 2012 with a degree in business administration but re-enrolled in 2015 to study biology. Throughout her studies and various internships, she volunteered at the aquarium, which led to an internship and eventually a career with the organization.

"I always had a huge love for animals, but I thought the only option for biology was being a veterinarian, which I knew was not for me," she said. Interested in research during her studies, Verrato conducted an independent study with Kristen Epp, associate professor of biology.

Although Verrato works with animals daily, she urged attendees to avoid interacting with wild animals, citing a specific situation of a seal currently undergoing treatment due to improper contact with the public. The seal became stranded on a popular beach in Rhode Island, where people disobeyed signage to interact with it. The distressed seal ingested the rocks she was lying on, requiring extensive, long-term treatment at the aquarium that could have been avoided.

The rescue technician also talked about the aquarium's current projects to enhance animal rescue and treatment efforts. She stated that the aquarium is working with organizations such as Atlantic Shark Institute, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and Block Island Maritime Institute to get a better track and research seal and shark populations in the area.

At the end of the seminar, Verrato noted that Mystic Aquarium is "always looking for internship applicants." The aquarium offers spring, summer and fall internships. She also emphasized the importance of volunteering and networking, especially in the biology field, as positions can be competitive. "I truly feel so lucky that our team is so amazing; (between) the staff members and the volunteers, we have a good sense of community."

Hosted by the biology department's Undergraduate Research Coordinator Amy Groth, the Biology Seminar Series highlights different career paths to Eastern students. "We have amazing alumni in all kinds of fields," said Groth.

She stressed the importance of networking with alumni as a key step to getting jobs after graduation. "It's great when we can connect students with alumni," she said. "They're usually very excited to come back because they typically really enjoyed their experience at Eastern."

The Biology Seminar Series will continue throughout the fall 2024 semester. The biology department will welcome Susan Herrick on Nov. 8. By connecting students with alumni like Verrato and other industry professionals, the seminar series aims to inspire students and equip them with valuable networking opportunities, practical knowledge and career insights.