Amelie graduated in 2013 with a B.S. in Biology and minor in Environmental Studies from Saint Michael's College in Vermont. After studying abroad in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean, Amelie became particularly interested in marine biology and ecology. There she studied coral and reef fish and learned to snorkel and SCUBA dive. She later interned with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Vermont, where she further developed her field research skills by monitoring restored riparian areas doing songbird studies and other projects.