Congratulations Callie!

The Leatherback Trust wants to congratulate Callie Veelenturf, M.Sc., winner of Nature’s 2018 #ScientistAtWork photo contest. The picture, taken by Jonah Reenders, was selected by the Nature International Journal of Science as a photo celebration of scientists at work.

Callie is seen here collecting samples from a leatherback sea turtle’s nest (Dermochelys coriacea) during her research in Equatorial Guinea in collaboration with Dr. Shaya Honarvar, from Bioko Marine Turtle Program. Callie received her Master’s Degree at Purdue University, under the supervision Dr. Frank Paladino, one of our founders. She was also one of our Field Managers during the 2017-18 nesting season at Las Baulas National Marine Park in Costa Rica.

Leatherbacks are such awe inspiring creatures… They have survived 5 mass extinctions and are only now threatened as a result of anthropogenic pressures, and some subpopulations are now critically endangered. I cannot imagine a world where they do not exist. Working with them has inspired me time and time again. I desire future generations to have these same experiences, but for the sake of this incredible species itself I plan to spend my life addressing the various pressures that threaten its persistence in various coastal and ocean habitats.

Callie Veelenturf

We are so proud of you, Callie!