Chennie Castañon

Chennie Castañon has a diverse background in environmental and wildlife biology. They started their career in 2006 as a Student Leader in the Community, engaging in activities related to reducing tobacco litter on coastal environments and promoting environmental education. In 2008, they worked as an Undergraduate Researcher, focusing on parasite infection and malformation in California Pacific Tree frogs. Chennie then worked as an Undergraduate Research Apprentice at UC Berkeley, where they contributed to a project on the population dynamics and conservation of the California Red-legged Frog.

In 2009, Chennie continued their work as a Research Lab Assistant at the Agroecology Research Group at UC Berkeley, conducting studies on the influence of floral resource provisioning on biological control of insect pests in vineyards. They also worked as an Undergraduate Research Apprentice, assisting a Ph.D. candidate in a project on the re-introduction of the California Red-legged Frog.

Chennie's experience expanded in 2010 when they volunteered as an Education Docent at The Marine Mammal Center, providing information on animal husbandry, marine science, and conservation to the public. They also became an Apprentice Hawk Bander at the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, where they handled and banded various raptor species.

From 2011 to 2013, Chennie worked as a Wildlife Biologist at COAST RIDGE ECOLOGY, LLC and took on the role of the Designated Specialty Environmental Monitor for multiple projects by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. They conducted biological surveys, monitored construction activities, and ensured compliance with permits and environmental regulations.

Chennie later joined the San Francisco Public Utilities as a Bioregional Habitat Restoration Assistant Environmental Coordinator, where they assisted with documentation, communication, and environmental compliance efforts related to the development of compensation sites.

Most recently, Chennie has been working as a Wildlife Biologist and Environmental Inspector at SWCA Environmental Consultants since 2013.

Chennie Castañon pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation Resource Studies, specializing in Conservation Biology, from the University of California, Berkeley. This academic journey took place from 2007 to 2009. Prior to this, Chennie attended the College of San Mateo between 2004 and 2007, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Biology.