This marine biologist relies on AI-powered hardware to help her protect the planet

What do sea turtles and computers have in common? For marine conservation biologist Callie Veelenturf, they’re the link between protecting a vulnerable species and using powerful tools to get real results.

Veelenturf is the founder of the nonprofit The Leatherback Project, which protects leatherback sea turtles and other endangered marine species. When she took part in the Lenovo Global Communities Tech For Good Program, which highlights creators and founders using tech to solve real-world problems, Veelenturf discovered that the Intel-powered ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition could handle even the harshest field conditions.

“As a conservationist, I know firsthand that having the best gear and tech in hand can really expand the ways that we can show up to better and more effectively protect nature,” she said.

Tech to weather any storm

While on a hot, humid island doing research, Veelenturf got caught in a thunderstorm. It came up so quickly she had to run from the hammock where she was working, leaving her ThinkPad under a tarp.

After the storm subsided, she returned to find her computer sitting in a pool of water. The biggest surprise: Its sleep mode light was still flashing.

“I put it in front of a solar-powered fan for 30 minutes, and it woke up after like nothing had happened,” she said. “Blew my mind!”

Another time, she kept a ThinkPad in her tent next to a sea turtle nesting beach on Bioko Island, a place so wet that mold grows in clothes because they never fully dry. As for the laptop? It’s still running five months later.

Veelenturf uses her Lenovo ThinkPad to work from wet, remote areas.

Powering mission-driven work that matters

Veelenturf’s nonprofit is one of many using Lenovo’s AI PCs to support their missions.

Conservation work means unpredictable conditions: extreme heat, humidity, and remote sites with no power. That’s why the right tech matters. Lenovo’s Thinkpad laptops use MIL-STD-810, a military standard developed by the US Department of Defense, to test against extreme temperatures, storms, and conditions.

“Whether I’m programming satellite tags in the field, analyzing and mapping my datasets, designing proposals for future projects, or preparing a speech for the UN, I use my computer to generate impact for nature every day,” she said.

AI at your side

The features of the ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition bring unique benefits, including AI-powered Smart Modes that adjust with user workflows to block distractions during focus times, revert quickly to settings for video calls, and even deliver a digital nudge when you’ve been slumped over for too long.

Slim, durable, and made from recycled aluminum, the X9 Aura Edition weighs just 2.74 lbs — perfect for professionals like Veelenturf who are constantly on the move.

Backed by Intel® Core Ultra processors and a neural processing unit capable of up to 48 trillion operations per second, the X9 delivers seamless AI-enhanced performance to keep pace with the workday. Whether you’re multitasking, collaborating, or creating, the PC is built for modern productivity.

From boardrooms to beaches, conservation to communication, laptops like Veelenturf’s help power work that’s changing the world.

Technology that drives action

Just like the right tech empowers conservation work in the most unpredictable environments, the right support can empower small businesses to thrive in any condition. That’s where Lenovo Pro comes in.

Designed specifically for small and midsize businesses, Lenovo Pro offers 360 degrees of support — from exclusive member pricing and personalized product recommendations to expert business solutions and dedicated customer service. Whether you’re working in the field, the office, or somewhere in between, Lenovo Pro ensures your business stays agile, efficient, and ready for what’s next.

And with May being Small Business Month, it’s the perfect time to explore all the ways Lenovo Pro helps you do more — with smarter tech, tailored support, and member-only perks that reward your growth.