cecilia sécola

george washington university

major / minor: bs in environmental & sustainability sciences

graduation year: 2027

cecilia sécola is a rising junior at the george washington university, where she’s majoring in environmental and sustainability sciences. originally from puerto rico, ceci has always felt a deep connection to the ocean — a passion that’s shaped her dream of becoming a marine veterinarian. she’s one of two planet forward mystic aquarium fellows, where she’s exploring all sides of marine animal care: shadowing veterinarians, the beluga whale and african penguin teams, the animal rescue unit, and more.

before mystic, ceci worked as a lifeguard and interned at the caribbean manatee conservation center, experiences that fueled her interest in marine animal health and conservation. she’s also dedicated to community service, having launched cajitas viajeras to provide educational kits to children across the island during the covid-19 pandemic. ceci speaks english, spanish, and some italian, and in her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, snowboarding, and crafting.