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 manages the Navy’s sample archive, coordinates clinical and research testing, and is helping develop a new sample archive database. Celeste is also an active volunteer at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Look for her twice a month in the Kelp Tank Dive Show!