At the time of this interview, Emily worked as a Research Associate Professor at Old Dominion University. Now, Emily works as the Director of Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds for the Virginia Environmental Defense Fund.

Life at UVA and since graduating:

Emily graduated from the University of Virginia in 2007 with degrees in Economics and History. After UVA, Emily received her doctorate in Law and Masters in Environmental Law and Policy at the Vermont Law School, where she graduated magna cum laude. She has worked in legal clinics and in environmental policy for over a decade.

She now works at Old Dominion University as a Research Assistant Professor. She coordinates the Commonwealth Center for Recurrent Flooding Resilience and works with faculty members to ensure their work is useful for policy makers and the public. She works with entrepreneurs and innovators to support new ideas for adapting to flooding.

In your own words, what is sustainability?

Effectively using resources to ensure a better result.

Emily’s advice for students:

• Read up on as much literature as you can on the topics that interest you professionally and personally
• Don’t write anything important on your phone–take pride in your written work
• Do your research effectively and thoroughly–click on references in papers
• Ask people to have coffee!