About Chelsea

I am an experienced marine biologist and PhD student from Queensland Australia. I have studied and been involved in projects along the Great Barrier Reef at locations including Heron Island, Lady Musgrave Island and Lizard Island.

My international experience includes marine science and dive instructor roles in Honduras, Indonesia, Madagascar and currently in the Philippines.

In 2019, I co-founded a NGO called Institute of Marine Research in conjunction with local tourist resort operators to protect and enhance the fringing reef ecosystems.

I received my PADI Divemaster qualification in 2015 on Utila in the Caribbean and became a professional dive instructor on Gili Island, Indonesia in 2016.

My philosophy

Provide the resources to help sustain coastal marine ecosystems and alleviate the effects of climate change through the protection, restoration and management of coral reefs.

My Résumé

Education

2012-2014 Bachelor of Science ~ Marine Biology
2016 Graduated with First Class Honours – Marine Science

University of Queensland

My honours project (supervised by Sophie Dove) focused on studying the effects of climate change on coral reefs. I was able to identify certain coral species that were adapting to increased temperatures and CO2 levels.

Dec 2017 to May 2018

Project Scientist – Napantao Marine Park, Philippines

Project Scientist with Coral Cay Conservation on Southern Leyte (6 month contract). The position involved surveying and studying marine habitats in the fringing reefs. I also trained volunteers in marine identification and liaised with local and state government representatives.

Previous Jobs

2017

Lecturer in coral reef ecology – Madagascar

I worked as a Coral Reef Ecology Lecturer to visiting students in marine science and scuba diving. (2 month contract)

2016

Marine Scientist / Dive Instructor – Southern Great Barrier Reef Queensland

Working out of the Port of Bundaberg on the Lady Musgrave Experience as a marine science guide and scuba instructor on Lady Musgrave Island.

2015 and 2017

Whale Shark Research Centre, Utila, Honduras

A one month internship with the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center which studies this large fish species found in the surrounding waters.   I subsequently returned in 2017 working as a Dive Instructor and assisting WSORC where possible.  Utila is one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean. It is known for its coral reefs and many dive sites.