In 2009, Emily moved to Florida from Ohio in search of a new start. This unplanned adventure led her to various natural areas of Florida, volunteering for many different organizations to help endangered species and learn about the state’s incredible ecosystems. In May 2019, she graduated from Eckerd College with a degree in Environmental Studies and Biology. Having completed a summer internship at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) related to Florida's endangered West Indian Manatee, she soon realized she had found her niche and began a graduate program at the University of West Florida (UWF). During this time, she has been working as a student GIS intern within the Data Collection Bureau at the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Recently, Emily completed a GIS graduate certificate and will soon earn her Master's degree in GIS Administration. She is also certified as a Florida Master Naturalist through University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) extension, and enjoys hiking, kayaking, volunteering, and exploring.