Meet Orlin:
My name is Orlin Gologergen (Qetgeghutkaq, Ayaleq, Nutawyi), and I am from Savoonga, Alaska. I am pursuing a Master of Science in Biological Sciences, where my graduate project focuses on mercury and other contaminants in subsistence foods from Nome and Savoonga. I was drawn to the Caleb Scholars Program because of its commitment to Indigenous leadership, community engagement, and conservation advocacy. To me, Inuit-led conservation means that Inuit communities lead research and stewardship by combining Indigenous knowledge with Western science while maintaining ownership of their data and resources. Growing up with a subsistence lifestyle inspired me to better understand the health of the animals our communities depend on. Through my research, I hope to support the long-term health of our people, wildlife, and traditional way of life while contributing to community-driven environmental stewardship.
What does Inuit-led conservation advocacy mean to you? How will your education and degree program prepare you to contribute to this work?
Growing up in Nome, I have always relied on marine mammals and other subsistence resources for food, culture, and identity. Over the years, I began noticing that some of the animals we harvested showed unusual signs of illness. I wanted to understand why, not only for the health of the animals, but also for the health of our communities that depend on them. That curiosity is what led me to pursue a degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Marine Sciences.
To me, Inuit-led conservation advocacy means that Inuit communities guide the research and management of our lands and waters. It means respecting Indigenous knowledge alongside Western science and ensuring that conservation efforts reflect the priorities of the people who have lived with these ecosystems for generations. It also means protecting our ability to continue practicing our subsistence traditions while making informed decisions about the future of our resources.
My education has provided me with the research, laboratory, and data analysis skills needed to address environmental questions affecting Arctic communities. Through my work in marine ecotoxicology and community-based research, I have learned how scientific research can support community priorities rather than replace them.
My graduate research will build on a baseline dataset established by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Marine Mammal Program by monitoring contaminants in subsistence marine mammals. Just as importantly, I want this work to promote data sovereignty by ensuring that participating communities have ownership of and access to the information collected. By combining scientific methods with Indigenous knowledge, I hope to provide research that helps communities make informed decisions about the health of the animals we rely on and strengthen Inuit-led conservation for future generations.
