SPEAKER
July 11, 2025
Celeste graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 2009 with both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in marine biology. Before joining the Foundation, she worked as a research associate for the Center for Marine Veterinary Virology at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. In this position, she used a variety of molecular methods to discover and diagnose viral diseases in dolphins and sea lions. She currently coordinates clinical and research testing as part of the Animal Health and Welfare team.
In 2022, Celeste earned a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching Biological Sciences from Miami University in conjunction with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. As the Director of Community Engagement, she draws from both her background in biological sciences and education to create outreach programs that translate current NMMF science for our community, including students, teachers, and collaborators from around the world.