Caleb “Makana” Olaso has lived on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi his whole life. In primary and intermediate school, he was enrolled in the Kula Kaiapuni (Hawaiian language immersion) program, wherein instruction was done exclusively through the Hawaiian language. Makana developed his English language fluency through his secondary education at Hawaiʻi Technology Academy. He developed a keen interest in the natural sciences and wanted to pursue a career in marine conservation. In 2018, he graduated summa cum laude a year early and enrolled in the biological sciences program at Leeward Community College. Following his first semester, he was recruited as an English peer tutor. Here, he predominantly tutored students learning English as a second language. During his associate’s degree, he struggled most with Chemistry. However, this would slowly develop into a passion as he began attending workshops, study groups, and talks related to the field. After his second semester of General Chemistry, he was allowed to mentor STEM students until graduation. He is currently conducting research related to fatty acid storage in the Asian tiger mosquito under the mentorship of Dr. Matthew Medeiros at PBRC.