As Research Coordinator for the Experimental Prairie, Emma supports investigations of above and below ground community assembly in prairies informed by phylogenetic and functional diversity.

Her previous research investigated the mycorrhizal fungal community and population genetics of Comandra umbellata, a key species of high-quality prairies. In her role at The Morton Arboretum, she continues to look above and below ground to learn how prairies function by maintaining the Ware Field Experimental Prairie, coordinating a study of root traits of prairie species, and supporting research on the soil factors and communities associated with those species.