Emmy is an environmental archaeologist and is interested in human-environment interactions, plant use, foodways, and colonialism in the US Southwest. She specializes in archaeobotanical methods, especially phytoliths, and studies plant use during the colonial era (17th and 18th centuries) in New Mexico. Emmy has worked on archaeological projects in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Indiana, Michigan, and Mongolia. Emmy grew up in Denver and is a former teen volunteer at the museum. She attended the University of Chicago for her BA/MA and received her PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. At DMNS, she works on the Textile project.