Madison Dapcevich

Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?

My role includes communicating the complex and fascinating work that our team conducts while aboard E/V Nautilus. The Communication Lead serves as a liaison between the ship and shore teams to promote conversations surrounding ocean exploration. This work brings me in contact with students, researchers, and marine-fascinated followers around the world. 

In addition to my role aboard Nautilus, I work as a full-time associate editor at Outside Magazine, covering issues that are important to the outdoor community. My passion for science runs as deep as our deep-sea exploration, and I have contributed to a number of publications including Discover Magazine, TIME, Business Insider, IFLScience and Snopes, among many others. 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

It may sound like a cliche, but I have always known that I wanted to be a journalist. In fact, I wrote my fifth-grade career essay describing my dream of broadcasting for Slime Time Live on Nickelodeon (talk about a throwback). In the decades since, I have found that the power of information and knowledge is truly what transforms and drives societies. 

Making educational tools accessible, fun, and engaging to mass populations — whether that is a journalistic article or a middle school curriculum — has the ability to incite dreams and spark novel creative processes. That same inspiration that moved me to journalism 20 years ago is what I hope my career does for other young women around the world, particularly as STEM research is arguably more crucial in our changing environment now than ever before.  

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My amazing support system of family, friends, community members, and journalistic mentors inspires a sense of wonder and ability. My parents taught me that no dream is too big as long as you are willing to put in the work required to achieve it — and that "education is key" when it comes to advancing your personal and professional selves.

What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?

By far, the most fascinating element of my work is connecting with leading innovators and researchers from around the world to learn about their work and make it accessible to millions of people through my writing. We are in a period of unprecedented scientific exploration and learning about that work first-hand from the people doing it is eye-opening.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

As a science journalist and ocean explorer, I've investigated misinformation campaigns on social media, embedded in Alaskan archaeological digs, and contributed to the discovery of deep-sea organisms in the Central Pacific. I've as worked as a commercial fishing deckhand and yoga instructor. 

I believe that all experiences lend an invaluable perspective when it comes to evolving professionally and personally — even if it doesn't seem to be in line with your ultimate career goals.

What are your degrees and certifications?

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communications - Humboldt State University 2012
• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations: Globalizations - Humboldt State University 2012
• Graduate Certificate in Natural Resource Conflict Resolution - University of Montana 2017
• Master of Arts in Environmental Resource and Natural Resource Journalism - University of Montana 2017.

What are your hobbies?

I am most happy in ,y western Montana home whitewater kayaking, rafting and backcountry skiing. When not plucking away at a keyboard, I still teach yoga and mountain bike with my two Australian shepherds, Cholla and Poppy, through Missoula’s Rattlesnake Wilderness.

How did you get involved with the Nautilus Exploration Program?

My work with OET began when I was covering the E/V Nautilus  deep-sea spotting of the "fireworks jelly" — and my interest was lit from there. I served as a 2019 Science Communications Fellow in Samoa and American Samoa and returned in 2020 as a Digital Content Coordinator from ashore. Since 2021, I've served annually as a contract Communications Lead aboard several annual expeditions. 

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

Believe in yourself. It may sound cheesy, but it's an important reminder that you are your own biggest advocate. If you want to go into journalism, come with an open mind and an empty notebook. Keep your eyes open, your tape recorder on and apply your inquisitive nature to understanding complex issues in a way that enables you to share them in an understandable and accessible tone.

Journalism involves constantly learning, relearning, and sharing. Most importantly, don't judge or ostracize certain groups of people because they may have a different perspective than yours. We all have stories to tell about who we are, where we come from, and where we want to go. Each one is valid and worthy of empathy. 

Learn all that you can about the world around you and the people that inhabit it, keep your ego in check, and remember that life is about learning at every stage.