Kelsey joined Project Oceanology as a full time Marine Science Educator in fall of 2024. She also acts as an Aquaria Manager in our seawater lab, a Red Cross certified lifeguard, and a member of our Unified Water Study team. As long as she can remember, she has always had a passion for the ocean, and an enthusiasm for fieldwork. She loves being in nature collecting data, especially if she can get her boots a little dirty!
Kelsey is originally from Shelton, CT and after high school she attended the University of Rhode Island where she graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology. She began her career with Save the Bay in Newport, Rhode Island working as an aquarist and an exploration center manager. At Save the Bay, Kelsey was able to strengthen her love for marine husbandry as she took care of various Narragansett Bay species, and even some Gulf Stream Orphans! From there she joined the Mystic Aquarium as part of their education and conservation team, recognizing her passion for environmental conservation and learning.
When not at work you can find Kelsey at the gym, she loves personal fitness and nutrition! She also enjoys painting, taking her dog Kenny on long walks, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.
What do you love most about Project Oceanology?
Of course I love the work that we do here, but even greater than that I love the people who make it happen. Project Oceanology has really created a community dedicated to conserving the marine environment and everything that surrounds it. The schools we work with, the students we meet, the teachers and other educators who help facilitate these trips, are all really amazing. The staff I work with are not only passionate about our environment but also about learning, and making sure everyone has the opportunity to experience the ocean in some way.
What marine animal is your favorite?
This is a hard question! There are so many animals I could list, but I think my favorite has to be the octopus. They’re such a great example of how amazing nature is! I had the privilege of taking care of a few of these when I worked in Rhode Island and they are truly the smartest invertebrate we have. Three hearts! Blue blood! They’re just so cool.