Finding Greatness: Caley Chun

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Monday, August 25, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories: Faculty/Staff | School of Health and Natural Sciences | Finding Greatness | Pressroom | Students

Macon, GA

Driven by her goal to become a pediatric dentist, senior biology major Caley Chun has embraced every opportunity to grow and lead at Middle Georgia State University.

Full Name: Caley Chun.

Hometown: Warner Robins.

High School: “I graduated from Houston County High School in 2022. I was on the varsity swim team and president of the SkillsUSA Club. Additionally, I took woodshop for 3 years where I created some award-winning wooden pens along with expanding my skills in hand dexterity.” 

Family: “My parents, a sister, and my pets, Konge and Pokshi (who recently passed away).”

Employment: “Along with being a full-time student, I currently work as a tutor at the Student Success Center, student assistant to the assistant director for Engagement and Service, and teacher's assistant for some of the professors in the Department of Natural Sciences. Outside of school jobs, I shadow and work as a hygiene assistant at local dental offices.”

Degree Objective: Bachelor of Science in Biology, with plans to go to dental school after graduation.

Class Rank: Senior.

Primary Campus: Macon.

Activities: “I've always enjoyed being involved at school I attend. I participate in a lot of MGA extracurriculars. I was an ambassador for GearUp at MGA during my first two years and attended GearUp leadership conferences. I've been managing and controlling logistics for Dr. Tyler Achatz's parasitology research Lab, along with being able to present my research work at several Georgia DNR and parasitology conferences. Recently, I've had the opportunity to represent the MGA Honors Program with Dr. Ness-Maddox in attending state and regional conferences. I've been involved in several organizations on campus, including KnightsLead, Emerging Leaders, ILEAD, executive board member on the Knights Community Crew, vice president of the Pre-Dental Club, and the executive chair of the Pre-Professional Club. As for academic extracurricular activities I've been a supplemental instructor, embedded tutor, tutor (all three from the Student Success Center), teacher's assistant, lab assistant, and intern in the Department of Natural Sciences."

Career Goals: “My career goal is to attend the Dental College of Georgia and become a pediatric dentist. My family couldn't afford health insurance, so we relied on the state's free coverage for children under 18. This limited our dental options, as few offices accepted our insurance. We ended up going to a clinic in Macon. I was always the little kid who turned around in the chair to double check what instruments they would be using.

“My parents knew little to nothing about dental treatment or terminology used, and they were never allowed in the treatment rooms with us. Shadowing in dental practices opened my eyes to what compassionate, transparent care should look like. I want to be able to provide affordable dental care as well as helping children understand the how and why of early oral hygiene.” 

She chose Middle Georgia State University because … “To be honest, MGA wasn't my first choice. I wanted to go to the University of Maryland, my father’s alma mater. However, my parents wanted me to save money by going to MGA. They stated that you could get the same education at MGA at a more affordable cost. I had my doubts, but after I started getting involved in my campus, got to know some faculty, and made some friends, I found I loved going to school here and looked forward to it every day. Now that I am a senior, I can confidently say that my parents were right. I was able to receive a lot of financial aid and made friends and memories that I will not forget."

The greatest thing she discovered about Middle Georgia State was … “The smaller class sizes and how easy it is to get involved. I’ve done a lot through the Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Department of Natural Sciences. Smaller class sizes gave me the opportunity to connect more with my peers and professors. This has really created such an amazing environment for me to be able to grow as a student.

“Also, all of my efforts at MGA wouldn't be possible without certain faculty members and I would really like the opportunity to thank them in some way: Dr. Tyler Achatz, Dr. Dawn Sherry, Ms. Deveraux Lindsey, Mr. Rafeal Villamil, Dr. Susan Asbury, Mrs. Kristen Bailey, Mr. Rafeal Villamil, and Mr. Paul Johnson.”

Her greatest academic experience as a Middle Georgia State student has been … “Being able to be a part of such an amazing parasitology research group. Ever since I started working under Dr. Tyler Achatz, I've been able to create such an amazing friend group, learned all kinds of new skills, gained unimaginable experience, traveled across the country with friends while presenting my research project, and had the opportunity to publish a paper for the CDC.”  

To her, greatness means … “Being able to set realistic goals for oneself and push through to reach those goals no matter the challenges. Additionally, holding oneself accountable for responsibilities and mistakes along the way. These goals do not need to be some elaborate plan; goals build off one another. As a person reaches one goal, they are closer to reaching another goal. Having the ability to push through one step at a time, regardless of any obstacle or set back is greatness within itself.” 

In five years … “I will be finishing up dental school and preparing myself for residency.”