They make no sound. They cannot see. They seldom move, but freshwater mussels are causing quite a stir at the Greensboro Science Center.
Interview with Hannah Sprague
Full name: Hannah Sprague
University affiliation: UNCG
Degree: Media Studies
Thanks to a North Carolina Sea Grant and in collaboration with state partners, the Greensboro Science Center created a projection mapped freshwater mussel exhibit which is on display in the GSC’s Conservation Center. The GSC hired Hannah Sprague, recent UNCG media studies graduate, to document the project. Hannah traveled around North Carolina filming mussel scientists and the work they do to protect mussels. Hannah traveled to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s fish hatchery in Marion, NC. While there, she captured video of both adult and young mussels, mussel propagation and mussel husbandry. Hannah then went to NC State University to record the process of in-vitro propagation of mussels and finally, she ventured into the Uwharrie National Forest to film wildlife biologists performing mussel surveys in the river. She then compiled all of the footage and created short videos that tell the story of freshwater mussels – from their natural history, to environmental threats, to modern day conservation efforts to protect the taxa. We caught up with Hannah to see what she thought of the experience.
How did you learn about this project?
My professor was contacted by Lindsey Zarecky, the VP of Conservation and Research at the Greensboro Science Center, the about the project, and he relayed the opportunity to me.
What did you find the most challenging about the project?
I found that learning how to capture scientific/documentary style footage was the most challenging.
What did you find the most interesting about the project?
To me, the most interesting aspects of the project were learning about mussels and their importance in the environment, I also enjoyed meeting and interviewing new people at the NC Wildlife Commission’s fish hatchery in Marion and at NC State.
Was the project what you expected when you first agreed to take it on?
Yes, I felt that the project ended up being very similar to what I expected because Lindsey explained my role in the project and what to anticipate very effectively.
What would you change if you could?
If I could, I might’ve gotten different/additional equipment for more consistent footage. Overall, the project went well and the end result was of high quality.
What was your knowledge of freshwater mussels before the project?
I had almost no knowledge of freshwater mussels before being brought onto this project and was very impressed with the amount of information I received throughout the project.
What was the biggest take-away for you? Be it mussel knowledge or just experience.
My biggest takeaway from the mussel project was the experience of being able to learn how to film documentary style and the experience I gained from creating a whole project from start to finish in a professional environment.
What is next on your career path?
I plan to continue to further my knowledge and experience in cinematography.
“Being able to offer such a unique, yet challenging experience to a graduating media studies student was very rewarding. Hannah was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was professional, artistic, and detail oriented. I am highly impressed with her and the final product she put together.” – Lindsey Zarecky, VP Conservation & Research
The final product Hannah created alongside the GSC exhibits team and technology and innovation team can be seen at the GSC’s conservation center.
Greensboro Science Center 