Charlie Chesney

I'm Charlie Chesney (she/her), a 2nd year Environmental Studies PhD student at the University of California - Santa Cruz. I'm part ecologist part engineer and all around science nerd. I am most motivated by the challenge of helping humanity thrive without compromising our natural world. For me, this means crossing sectors between ecology and engineering. I'm intrigued by ideas that initially sound impossible and require me to learn new skills (like soldering!). I chose to work on Living Solar Panels because it allows me to be a mad scientist while helping people and our planet.

Before diving into cactus-based energy, I worked in education, sustainability analytics, restoration, avian conservation, and animal behavior studies. Highlights from my prior work include being vomited on by a California Condor and winning a Conservation Technology X Prize. I hold a MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management from the University of Oxford and a BSc in Biology/Zoology from San Francisco State University. I hope to remain in a research and development role after receiving my PhD and can see myself as a future CEO.

When I'm not in the lab or greenhouse, you can find me at the rock climbing gym, bird watching on the beach, or tie dying thrifted clothes. Find out more about me at www.charliechesney.com!

March 2022