As a native Floridian, Emily has always had a strong interest in marine conservation. In high school, she interned for the US Geological Survey and conducted research on the presence of fibropapillomatosis in green turtles living in the Everglades. While studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University, she pursued a degree in Environmental Studies and Global Health. As an undergrad, Emily co-founded Phyta, a seaweed cultivation startup that created sustainable ingredients for consumer products while mitigating the effects of our worsening climate crisis. With Phyta, Emily and her co-founders built the first seaweed farm in North Carolina, received over $15,000 from various grants and competitions, participated in three highly selective business accelerators, and presented at the United Nations as one of six finalists for the international Hult Prize competition. Emily is also an avid scuba diver who has earned her Rescue Diver certification and five specialty certifications since she began diving at age 16. She loves working as a marine biologist at Atoll Marine Centre because it allows her to make a positive impact while inspiring others to share her passion for the ocean and its many beautiful inhabitants. Preserving the long term viability of the marine environment is extremely important to Emily because it is where she feels the most at home. :)