Chauncey Kelly was working as an aquaculture specialist in the Florida Keys and in the dissertation stage of his doctorate in marine biology at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science when he decided to do a complete 180 degree turn around and pursue a law degree. Now in his final semester of law school, Chauncey has accepted a position with White & Case in Miami.

Originally from West Palm Beach, Chauncey was a double major in biology and marine science with a minor in chemistry at UM. He received his B.S. in 1996 and enrolled in UM's doctorate program in marine biology. He was the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships while in undergraduate school as well as the Founder's Fellowship at the Rosenstiel School. His master's thesis focused on a bioeconomic computer model that he constructed to explore the potential of mitigating environmental impacts while maximizing food production in Latin American shrimp ponds. Other work experiences prior to law school include legal researcher at Holland & Knight, production assistant/science commentator with USA Broadcasting/WAMI, teaching assistant at the MAST Academy and National Science Foundation Young Scholars, biologist/curator at the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition in Lisbon, Portugal, and maritime conservationist at Parque Nacional del Este in the Dominican Republic.

During law school, Chauncey was on the University of Miami Law Review, a research assistant for Professor Alfieri, and a dean's fellow for Civil Procedures I. He is a Soia Mentschikoff Scholar and will graduate summa cum laude in May. His legal interest is maritime, costal, and environmental law. Last summer Chauncey was a summer associate with White & Case and with his background in marine affairs, he was involved mostly in environmental litigation. "Graduating from Miami with a law degree and a background in the sciences helped set me apart in a crowded applicant pool. Whether an individual wants to work in the private sector for a large law firm or in the public sector for the federal government, having a law degree along with training in the hard sciences definitely makes you unique."