Callyan is an Indigenous-Hispanic American and first-generation student studying the impacts of human activity on seal vocalizations and behaviors, and the impact of research in Indigenous STEM education. From rural Kansas, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoo Science and Conservation Science from Friends University. Her diverse background includes roles in dolphin and manatee rescue and rehabilitation, PFAS, and marine biology camps. Callyan’s goal is to balance marine research with local Indigenous community collaboration and foster STEM connections for future generations.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Unexpected, Community-driven, Synergistic, Pioneering, and Hands-on.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
By far the most memorable was doing accessible outdoor adventures in the “Outdoor” and “Forests” challenges. I’m someone who is from the middle of the US, hadn’t seen the ocean until I was 22, and didn’t get to take family vacations due to being in a low socio-economic family. It would’ve been life changing for me, especially as a young kid, to be able to explore nature outside of the farm. I was almost in tears thinking about my younger self and how transformative an experience that would’ve been. I’m thankful to know the fantastic resources I learned about through those challenges. The Outdoor challenge allowed us to do in-person adventures or online adventures. While I’m so thankful and privileged to live in a state now where I have access to forests, the ocean, large waterways, etc., I think it is important not to take that privilege for granted. By doing the online option, I am much more informed and feel confident to share those with others. It is a great thing to see for those who don’t have the physical, financial, or any other ability to experience it in person. Someone I’ve been following on social media for a long time is @benkielesinski and in his adventure videos he says “Want to come on an adventure with me? Too bad- you’re coming.” and he takes you along on 1st and 3rd person adventures. I love that these PGC challenges gave me the same warm feeling that Ben’s videos do.
