Meet Caitlin Hochuli | Learning and Outreach Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caitlin Hochuli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caitlin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I was voted “biggest risk taker” in high school, and that’s something I remind myself of when I feel uninspired. Then, I played ice hockey and wore bold colors; I spoke my mind when I thought something needed to be said. But risk looks quite a bit different now. Taking a risk is quite literally a gamble, but either we keep doing things the way they are now or change. So again, I remind myself to take a risk or stay the same when I get uninspired.

I have done this throughout my career. I moved 12 hours to go to college, and it was the first time I was away from home for longer than a week. After finishing my Environmental Science degree, I only applied for one opportunity – to become a teacher. I loved being a teacher, but I constantly chased inspiration. Each time I dare to make a change, I learn some hard things along the way. But I wouldn’t change my path or my choices because I’ve gotten to be 100% true to myself, even if that truth is staying the “biggest risk taker.”

This has led me to pretty much a dream job working to build science and art integrated programs for schools, a year away from defending my dissertation, and living a happy life full of new friends and adventures.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My job is unique – I work at Science Gallery Atlanta, a space where we combine art and science to focus on real-world application and problem-solving. We’ve had two exhibitions, Hooked and Justice, that allowed our visitors to explore diverse aspects of addiction and justice in our Atlanta community. My role as the learning and outreach specialist is to make connections in the community and get the word out that we exist, we are free, and we are really cool. I also create programs and field trip experiences for middle and high school students and teachers, and I am currently working on ways to get out to colleges.

Getting to Science Gallery Atlanta has been a fun ride. When people asked me how I found this job, I truly can’t remember, but I’m so glad I did! My journey here has been unconventional, but that’s what makes it fun! I was a high school teacher for 6 years, where I taught all grades 9-12 and most of the sciences. I absolutely loved teaching my students and seeing them find some connection to science no matter how hard they tried not to like class in the beginning. I tried to my class fun and engaging, but at some point, I hit a wall. We didn’t have the resources we needed, and I was too emotionally invested in my students, and it kind of broke me. I decided that I needed to transition to helping teachers, which landed me a role at the Zoo and in Atlanta. While the Zoo was such a fun and creative space, and I met some of my best friends, I wanted to be more community-based and do work in Atlanta. I am so lucky to have found my current role now.

Fun fact: the whole time I went through teaching and transitioning careers, I have been a student. I’m working on degree #4 -I know, I’ve lost it, which is my Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Basically, I want to find a way to change how we do education.

Basically, my journey is a good mixture of luck and hard work, and I try to take every opportunity I can to grow. I also surround myself with friends who want the same thing. It truly takes a community to do all that we have to in life, might as well be with people who make you happy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many great places in the city! I highly recommend finding hidden hikes that are a 30-minute drive or less; my favorite finds are along the Chattahoochee and Panola Mountain. But if you’re visiting me, we’re walking the boardwalks at Mason Mill. I’m also a big hockey girl. I went to my first Gladiators game in Duluth; that was so much fun. I also love skating at Ice Forum up there. It’s worth the drive every time.
My favorite food spots are all over the place: Thai 5 is a staple, and I’d eat everything there. Atkin’s in VAHI is so good, and I dream about their birria tacos. As a gluten-free girlie, a shout-out to Hell Yeah Gluten Free for making the best pastries! And my week is not complete without a breakfast bowl from Sean’s in Candler Park.
I’m still pretty new to Atlanta, so I am amazed every time I get out and try something new. And of course, you should stop by the gallery, we’re truly one-of-a-kind!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, a big shoutout to Eden Gutstein for her amazing friendship and support. She is one incredible human, and I’m so grateful for all the encouragement she gave to chase my dreams. Also, a big shout out to our friend Tesia, who is the reason I found my home in Atlanta. We’ve been friends for a decade, and each year is our best year yet. Finally, a huge shoutout to my Mercer Ph.D. cohort; we just finished coursework and are on our dissertation journeys, and I wish all of us the best of luck. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. They’re my closest group of ladies who all deserve recognition for the brilliant ways they will shape the world.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitycat46/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-hochuli-30594369/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caitlin.hochuli46

Image Credits
Rachel Walsh, Event Coordinator at Science Gallery Atlanta