Chessie has a B.S. in Marine Biology from California State University, Long Beach and a M.S. in Biology from Georgia Southern University. During her undergraduate studies she participated in several research projects including two separate independent research projects on kelp bass (Paralabrax clathratus) reproductive physiology and California sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher) foraging ecology. During her masters she studied the stress physiology and metabolism of elasmobranch fishes and participated in a NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries research cruise where she fell in love with scientific diving. She has worked with the VRG since her return to California in 2023 as a Field Research Assistant, and recently began a position as a full time Research Assistant in 2024. She looks forward to continuing to contribute to marine research in all ways possible.