Emily’s involvement with The Wildlife Society (TWS) began during her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, where she coordinated the Student Chapter’s annual fundraiser, the Beast Feast. Over the past 16 years, she has remained an active and dedicated member of the Society, contributing to numerous working groups and committees. Her leadership includes organizing panels, symposia, and workshops at annual conferences, helping plan the “A Wild Idea” storytelling event in Spokane, and establishing the Early Career Professional Working Group’s Professional Development Grant during her tenure as Chair. Emily was a member of the Leadership Institute cohort of 2018 and has served on the Leadership Institute Committee ever since. Emily currently serves as the Student Liaison to Council and Chair of the Student Development Working Group.
Emily’s path within the wildlife profession was unconventional. Nearing completion of a degree in English, she took an internship at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, where she met wildlife biologists for the first time. Having grown up without exposure to conservation careers or the outdoors, that summer experience was transformative igniting a passion that completely redirected her career toward wildlife conservation.
These experiences shaped Emily’s commitment to representation and mentorship in the field. She believes deeply in the power of visibility—ensuring that aspiring conservationists can see themselves reflected in the professionals around them. Having navigated the transition between student and early career professional repeatedly over the last 17 years, Emily brings a unique and empathetic perspective to her leadership. She understands how hard it can be to land the elusive permanent job – and the challenges of building a lasting career in wildlife. In her role as Student Liaison, she is dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities, connections, and support systems for students and early career professionals across TWS.
Outside of TWS, Emily enjoys kayaking, hiking, reading, birding, and dreaming of one day owning a bakery.
