Degree program: Coastal Resilience Certificate
Year accepted: 2025
Advisor: TBD
Research: Ecological conservation & restoration, outdoor recreational access & inclusion
Background: B.A. in Sustainability,  technical certificates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), certificate in Permaculture Design, Colorado Mountain College

Profile:

Chelsea is an avid outdoor recreationalist with a vast interest in sailing, cycling, skiing, and hiking. Chelsea’s lifelong interest in outdoor recreation culminated in two epic endeavors this past year, spanning the globe, from France to Hawaii. In August of 2025, she embarked on the notorious Tour de Mont Blanc hike accompanied by her sister, trekking through the Alps of France, Switzerland and Italy. Prior to this rigorous trek, Chelsea embarked on a different style journey in April of 2025, sailing across the Pacific Ocean from Mexico to Hawaii on a 43-foot sailboat with a crew of 4. Nineteen days and 3,419 miles later, the ship arrived in Hilo, Hawaii, completing a successful Pacific Ocean crossing. In addition to bucket list endeavors, As an active Hobie class member and J boat sailor, Chelsea also frequently travels the country to compete in both National and World level sailboat racing championships. When not on the water or in the mountains, she can be found in nearby nature or in the garden. Since completing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies paired with certificates in GIS and Permaculture Design from Colorado Mountain College in 2021, Chelsea has pursued organic and regenerative agriculture working with the Frisco, Colorado High Country Conservation Center’s Community Supported Agriculture Program, growing local organic food for her home community, Summit County, Colorado. She has also studied beekeeping at the Colorado Beekeepers Association, and received US Sailing Safety at Sea and American Sailing Association 101 and 103 Sailing certificates. Chelsea has recently returned to school at URI to pursue a Master’s of Science in Environmental Management while enrolled in a fellowship with URI’s Cooperative Extension department teaching Invasive Plant Management and Home Horticulture Certificate Programs.  Chelsea is approaching her studies at URI with the goal of combining her adoration for the outdoors with a career based in ecological conservation and restoration. Her studies at URI are focused on site planning and design, GIS data collection and implementation, and hands-on field work studies.