I'm Charlie Chesney,
a conservation innovator.
I explore innovative solutions to protect and ensure the health and longevity of nature and society. I utilize Agile and design thinking approaches to inspire learning and drive high-impact solutions. I focus on the adoption of emerging technologies and the strategic formation of partnerships and collaborations between NGOs, entrepreneurs, impact investors and universities to enable global innovation. My aim is to work with bold individuals and communities to introduce new ways of thinking to counter climate change and biodiversity loss.
Education
University of California, Santa Cruz
PhD Environmental Studies
Sept 2020 - June 2025
University of Oxford
MSc Biodiversity, Conservation & Management
Oct 2017 - Sept 2018
Distinction
San Francisco State University
BSc Biology/Zoology
Aug 2011 - May 2015
Magna Cum Laude
Skills
- Design Thinking for Innovation -
- Lean / Scrum Methodologies & Tools -
- Qualitative & Quantitative Research -
- Mentoring / Teaching Students -
- Event Planning & Coordination -
- Academic, Technical & Popular Science Writing -
- Field Work & Wildlife Handling -
- Podcast Production -
Achievements
April 2020
Gave Technology for Conservation webinar hosted by Climate Corps AmeriCorps
March 2020
Guided student team to host educational environmental art event at San Lorenzo Library
February 2020
Gave Blockchain for Nature & People webinar hosted by Blockchain for Social Impact Coalition
November 2019
Grand Prize Winner of Conservation X Labs Technology Prize for blockchain prototype ($20,000)
October 2019
Included in WWF's 17 ideas that could change the world
August 2019
Funding award from Impactio pilot for NeuTreeLize
June 2019
Spoke on the New Finance Mechanisms panel at the Blockchain for Social Impact conference in New York
May 2019
Coordinated the collaboration between Ecosulis, Panda Labs and the University of Oxford to produce a conservation blockchain technical brief inspired by my MSc dissertation (in production)
March 2019
Joined WWF’s Panda Labs core team as an ‘Honorary Panda’
September 2018
Received distinction on MSc dissertation & overall course work
May 2018
One of three students chosen to present MSc dissertation topic at WildCRU Colloquium
February 2018
Presented at WWF-UK Innovation Challenge
August 2017
Recognized by Michelle Obama for achieving a MSc acceptance to the University of Oxford
June 2017
Coordinated and led community BioBlitz event
February 2017
Publication of co-authored animal behavior study at the San Francisco Zoo
May 2015
Graduated Magna Cum Laude from San Francisco State University
February 2014
Became the first student researcher at the San Francisco Zoo’s Wellness & Conservation Center, establishing an independent study program for San Francisco State University zoology students
