Kelly is the former and founding Director of the James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute at the University of Seychelles. Within Seychelles, she is actively developing academic resources, networks and knowledge to support the Seychelles Blue Economy agenda. Internationally, she contributes to research, education and awareness to advance ocean-based sustainable development, and is undertaking a PhD with Australia’s Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) through the University of Tasmania. Kelly has first-hand experience of working in Africa and with various small island developing states and coastal nations, across marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Coupled with her engagement with academic, government, private and non-governmental entities, this has led to her interest in transdisciplinary research and knowledge co-creation that enables innovative ocean-based sustainable development.