Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Calloway.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
I am a scientist, experienced pet, house, and plant sitter, and avid traveler with a deep passion for health, self-defense, and encouraging women to break past traditional boundaries.I started my career in gene therapy research, where I worked for two and a half years before the company shut down. Facing unemployment for six months, I took the time to travel, educate myself on finance, and explore new opportunities. This led me to my current work in chemotherapy and exercise research, where our lab focuses on proving how exercise can be prescribed to help mitigate the negative effects of chemotherapy.
My academic journey has shaped much of who I am today. I began college at 17 through dual enrollment, earning my AA before finishing high school. From there, I pursued my BAS while gaining hands-on experience in health science and research. Though I’ve completed my degree, I have a strong desire to continue my education, I’m just undecided on the direction for now.
Beyond my work in science, I have a love for travel and adventure. In 2023 I completed a four-country backpacking trip and in 2024 I spent two weeks solo traveling through Italy, experiences that deepened my appreciation for new cultures and perspectives. I also have a strong passion for self-defense and martial arts, which has been an empowering journey and I believe is essential for solo female travelers. I encourage women to pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations or traditional norms. This mindset led me to motocross, a sport I’ve grown to love, and I recently joined CFR Women on Track to connect with and support other women in the sport.
While my primary career is in research, I also work as a pet, house, and plant sitter in Gainesville and the surrounding areas of Florida. I’ve cared for a wide range of animals, from dogs and cats to farm animals and even poison dart frogs. I truly enjoy providing peace of mind to pet owners while they’re away and plan to continue this work alongside my scientific career.
Before fully stepping into research, I supported small businesses through modeling, helping them bring their vision to life—a creative outlet I truly enjoyed. I’ve worked with businesses like wedding dress boutiques, flower shops, car events, and dance studios to enhance their websites and branding, as well as novice beginners looking to expand their portfolio.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. My journey has had its fair share of challenges, many of which shaped the resilience I have today. My mother’s long battle with cancer impacted my family in many ways—emotionally, financially, and mentally. Knowing that affording college would be a struggle, I took advantage of dual enrollment, allowing me to earn my AA for free while still in high school. However, that meant pushing myself through intense course loads, at times taking 18-credit semesters while still finishing high classes online and keeping a strong GPA so I could apply for scholarships to continue my education.
After earning my BAS, I worked in gene therapy for over two years before the company I worked for shut down, leaving several of the employees jobless without a 24 hour notice. The sudden shift into unemployment was difficult, but it gave me time to reassess my goals, travel, and gain a deeper understanding of financial independence. Eventually, I transitioned into my current role in chemotherapy and exercise research, a field I find deeply meaningful.
Career – We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Currently, I work in a research lab studying how exercise can be used as a prescription to help chemotherapy patients reduce the treatment’s negative effects. This field excites me because it merges health science with practical applications that could directly improve patients’ quality of life. Before this, I worked in gene therapy research, where I helped produce viral vectors with the potential to treat genetic disorders. Although that chapter has closed, the experience gave me a strong foundation in scientific research.
Outside of my research career, I run a pet, house, and plant-sitting service. I’ve worked with a variety of animals, from household pets to exotic and farm animals, ensuring they receive the best care while their owners are away. I primarily operate in Gainesville and the surrounding areas and plan to continue growing in this space.
What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?
I believe in creating my own luck through resilience, discipline, and a positive mindset. Life is full of unexpected challenges, but I’ve learned to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. When faced with obstacles, I take time to process, reflect, and shift my focus toward solutions—yoga, meditation, and journaling have been invaluable tools in this journey.
This mindset has allowed me to build a career in research, see more of the world, lose over 60 lbs post-pandemic, and step confidently into male-dominated spaces like STEM, martial arts, and motocross. I hope to continue breaking my personal barriers, inspiring other women to pursue their passions despite the odds, and making meaningful contributions to the fields of medicine and disease research.
Contact Info:
- Email: AmberNCalloway@gmail.
com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber_calloway_/(personal) | https://www.instagram.com/themoonsbabyghoul/ (ambassador)
