Dr. Emerson’s research focused on DNA repair and chromosome maintenance, more specifically on the role of the Ku heterodimer in the Nonhomologous End-Joining pathway of DNA repair. She primarily used Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism, but also has experience working with human cell lines and mice. Prior to her dissertation research, she spent several years developing her scientific interests by working in research laboratories where she became familiar with a wide range of topics, including the role of epigenetics in neurodevelopment, the use of computational biology to predict developmental enhancers, and the relationship between ecology and phylogenetics of native species. She continues to stay actively involved with scientific research by working as an editor and writer for research manuscripts and other related publications. In addition to her work in editing, she has a passion for widely communicating the value of basic research through teaching and outreach opportunities.