Emma is a dual-degree student pursuing a Master in Positive Developmental Psychology, with a co-concentration in Evaluation, and a Master in Public Health, with a concentration in Health Prevention, Education, and Evaluation. 

Before attending CGU, Emma graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minors in Law & Society and Ethnic Studies. While at Cal Poly, Emma cultivated her research interest in promoting the health and development of youth from high-risk backgrounds by working with the local foster care system, juvenile justice system, and Department of Behavioral Health. Recently, Emma has continued this work as a researcher for the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health, for the state’s trauma-informed system of care program, COACT.

Throughout her work, Emma advocates for community-based and culturally-responsive approaches to providing services, evaluating programs, and impacting effective, equitable change for youth and families. Emma also has a passion for social justice and anti-racist efforts. She is a lead research analyst for the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Hate in Schools project and has supported the Center in a variety of other research projects.

As a proud Coloradan, she loves hiking, camping, and enjoying the Rocky Mountains with her family and adorable dog. When she’s in California, you can catch her playing cornhole at a brewery, finding an excuse to go to the Bombay Frankie Company, or driving up the Central Coast