After completing a Bachelor's degree in journalism, Celeste completed her cadetship at a regional newspaper. She then joined the Queensland Police Service and served as a police officer for 14 years. She completed a Masters of Professional Communication in 2000 and began lecturing part time in journalism, public relations and professional communication, in addition to police work. Celeste became a full time academic in 2011 at Central Queensland University. This move allowed Celeste to complete her Ph.D. studies in the field of community policing and communication. Her research interests include organisational communication, organisational culture and policing history. In 2012, she was voted by the students as one of the University's best lecturers, receiving a Student Voice Award. Celeste is a member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia.
