Mirrors: Cailynne Masters, STEM Student - Aquaculture & Environmental Science
The AdaMarie Mirrors reflect back to us the many roads (often winding, never smooth) to success! Real stories to see yourself reflected. At first, you’ll see Cailynne in this mirror, but eventually, we hope you’ll see yourself.
Welcome, Cailynne Masters!
Getting to Know You:
Major & Minor – If you went to college!: Aquaculture & Environmental Science and Management
Field of Work: Aquaculture Production & Environmental Science and Management
Expertise In: Restoring and managing land and natural resources. Watershed restoration and management, particularly for salmonid and trout species. Additionally, I have experience in aquaculture production systems and sustainable seafood practices. As well as, trail rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Current Company: College of The Redwoods
Job Title: Student
One-liner About What You’re Working On: I'm currently wrapping up my Associate's of Science degree in Aquaculture, and then I'm excited to continue my education at Cal Poly Humboldt for a bachelor's in Environmental Science and Management.
Currently geeking out over: Oysters! Oysters are absolutely amazing! They are incredibly unique and provide a wide range of benefits to our ecosystems. Not only are they experts at filtering water, but they also pack a punch in terms of nutritional value and health benefits from eating them. Additionally, they are a keystone species that form reefs and vital habitats for various marine creatures. And let's be honest, who can resist their incredible taste? They are a superb sustainable seafood option for anyone who loves seafood and wants to be kind to our planet!
STEM Hero: Dian Fossey
Tell us about your professional journey – how did you get where you are now?
I began my journey in the Conservation Corps, where I worked on trail and spike crews. My passion for the outdoors blossomed significantly, leading me to fully embrace this love. I started volunteering as much as possible with local agencies and actively engaging with the community. I took on local natural resource jobs that not only provided me with income in a field I adore but also challenged me and taught me new skills. Each position presented a fresh set of challenges but also offered greater opportunities for learning and growth. Outreach and networking have been a wonderful blessing, helping me make friends and stay connected in this profession.
Since I returned to school to further my education, I've developed an even stronger passion for engaging with the public about environmental science, management, and aquaculture, aiming to create more teachable moments and opportunities. This has led me to my current path of completing my degrees, immersing myself in the aquaculture and environmental science communities, and gaining so much knowledge.
We’re also curious to know your personal story and upbringing. What has made you “you”?
Life has given me the chance to encounter a variety of challenges and experiences. Some have been personal and transformative, yet all have taught me valuable lessons and provided strength and encouragement for my journey. I thrive on keeping my goals ahead of me, my family close to me, and my mistakes behind me.
Each day brings new tests to my character, strength, and passions, but I understand that I must keep pushing forward to make the world a better place, to leave my mark, and to protect the planet we inhabit.
What truly makes this journey worthwhile are the incredible connections I forge with others, the amazing places I get to explore and work in, the science I have the privilege to study, and the breathtaking views that surround me.
We know that real life isn’t a smooth and linear journey. What was your initiating moment that led you to your calling - can you tell us about that moment, what helped you move forward, what you learned/discovered?
I've gone through a ton of key moments that have really shaped who I am now and sparked my inspiration. One standout experience was during a volunteer event where I kayaked through an estuary, identifying and sampling fish. It was my first time among such brilliant minds, and I was totally shaking with nerves!
I was so anxious about making mistakes or embarrassing myself, but somewhere in the tide, I found the courage to dive in and give it a shot. I asked questions, shared my nervousness, but I was also BURSTING with EXCITEMENT!
I tried, stumbled, tried again, nailed it, tried once more, stumbled, tried again, and succeeded!
It was a thrilling day, and by the end, I felt completely wiped out, both mentally and physically. As I scrubbed off the grime that night, one thing became crystal clear—I was eager to do it all over again the next day and every day after that!
You’re a working woman in a performance-driven industry. Where do you find balance?
In my experience as a woman in this field, establishing oneself can be quite challenging. I find a sense of balance by recognizing both my strengths and weaknesses, while also pushing myself daily to learn more, ask more questions, and embrace the unknown. I ensure that the positions I pursue and the colleagues I collaborate with share similar goals regarding the outcomes of our projects and work. This alignment is crucial for maintaining mental well-being and effective communication within teams. I strive to keep the workplace professional, and although I often enjoy being playful and having fun outside of work, I value professionalism.
Building social connections with others is fantastic and alleviates the competitive nature of a performance-driven industry, as it allows for learning from others and even experimenting with new ideas myself.
If you were a scientific process or phenomenon, what would you be?
If I could embody a scientific phenomenon, I would choose bioluminescence.
We would love to feature your work. How can we spread the word about what you’re doing?
You can see more of what I do on my social media @cailynne.masters and support me by volunteering locally and eating oysters!
Any final thoughts…
I think highlighting additional college students as they embark on their early professional paths would genuinely inspire and motivate the younger generation to pursue careers in STEM.
