Emily grew up on the Texas Gulf Coast and found her way west to the Grand Canyon in 2002.  She fell in love with the desert southwest, and vowed to spend a career working to protect and preserve the public lands of the region. Emily spent the last 18 years studying the impacts of Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, got her Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana, led volunteer groups on research and hands-on conservation projects for the Grand Canyon Trust, worked with young people to advocate for environmental and social justice in the region, and worked as a commercial tour guide and river guide.