Callie is a marine conservation biologist, National Geographic Explorer, founder of The Leatherback Project, and a voice for nature who inspires and influences high-impact conservation action through collaborative scientific research initiatives. Callie’s particular focus is on sea turtles and their ecosystems and advanced global recognition of the intrinsic rights of nature.

She has trained over two thousand soldiers from Panama’s National Aeronaval Service in recognizing illegal sea turtle products; has identified new sea turtle nesting and feeding sites for science; and has spearheaded innovative conservation proposals and laws in Panama, including a new National Wildlife Refuge; Law 287 recognizing the Rights of Nature; and Article 29 of Law 371 recognizing sea turtles as legal entities with specific rights. She is leading a UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge program to test technology to reduce bycatch in the artisanal gillnet fishery in Jaramijo, Ecuador.

Callie aspires to lead and empower other public citizens, scientists, storytellers, and educators to use their voices to defend the Intrinsic Rights of Nature. Callie is also pursuing a PhD in Conservation Biology with the University of Central Florida’s Marine Turtle Research Group.

She also holds an MS in Biology from Purdue University and a BS in Marine Biology with an specialization in Wildlife Conservation Biology from the University of Rhode Island. She is a 2024 Future For Nature Awardee, UNDP Ocean Innovator, Explorers Club 2024 New Explorer of the Year, and recipient of the Schmidt Ocean Institute 2024 Visionary Award. Since 2023, her work has been featured on the cover of the Washington Post, in CBS News, the Associated Press, PBS Nature Wild Hope, and Smithsonian Magazine.