Emily joined PEI in January of 2023 and is the Lower Columbia FieldSTEM coordinator serving districts, schools, and teachers across Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties.  

Originally from Southern Oregon, Emily moved to New York to earn a BS in Biology with minors in chemistry and mathematics from Adelphi University. She then continued her MS through intertidal and invertebrate ecology research off the North Atlantic Coast focusing on predator-predator prey interactions and the impact of invasive species on the local communities. Emily moved back to the west coast, earned her teaching certificate through the University of Washington’s UACT program, and has taught middle school math and science in Washington for six years. She is passionate about all students having access to high quality education and believes that learning outdoors, through hands on experiences and play are keys to engaged and thoughtful citizens. With her own kids, her family strives to reach the 1000 hours outdoor challenge each year and their favorite outdoor activities include hiking, kayaking, rafting, and camping.