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Dr. Caleb Hickman is a Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist at the Eastern Band of the Cherokee and Chair Elect of the Wildlife Society’s Invasive Species Working Group. Caleb is also an Adjunct Professor in the Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Department at the University of Tennessee. He received his Masters in Biology from Missouri State University and his PhD in zoology from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Caleb is with us today to tell us about his journey through life and science.
Caleb’s career has taken him from mountaintops and deserts to swamps and estuaries. Caleb grew up in the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma where he learned to enjoy the outdoors. He attended Missouri Valley College for his bachelors, Missouri State for his masters and the University of Wisconsin for his PhD. Caleb’s experiences from blue-collar field biologist to academic ecologist have shaped both his approach to science and how he interacts with people. From his childhood until now, he has learned the value of combining ancestral culture with wildlife conservation, and is now poised with an opportunity to accomplish these goals.
I just reviewed my son’s podcast (Dr. Caleb R. Hickman), I am constantly amazed at Caleb’s drive and determination to take nature to a new level of understanding. I continue to be one his biggest supporters and critics. I am not only a proud Mother of Caleb as he was my #3 son and born on my Cherokee Grandmother’s Birthday. Caleb named his son after my Indian Great Grandfather (Milo) and chose the middle name of Yona (which means Bear in Cherokee). His Aunt says, Caleb continues to combine his native roots with his love of nature as well as his love of life.
Stephanie Hickman Trotter
Caleb is not the only member of his family to be accomplished in their chosen professions. The thought that a mother like Stephanie could raise three professional and accomplished sons speaks well of their Indian heritage. The three boys embrace their Indian heritage as well as their love for America and each other. Well done Stephanie.
That’s cool. Proud of you bro! All you brothers have brains and great personalities.