Emma holds a Bachelor of Laws (UWA) and a Master of Environmental Management (ECU). She worked as a lawyer in Perth, as a senior associate for top tier law firms in Melbourne and London, and led a policy team for the British Government introducing new legislation in the UK. More recently, Emma has focused on environmental causes, volunteering at The Woodland Trust (UK) and the Environmental Defenders Office (WA). In 2015, Emma received the Bluebell Award for Best Guardian of Woods and Trees for her work with the Woodland Trust. In addition to her current research on urban forest regulation with the University of Western Australia, Emma is also the founder and co-ordinator of an environmental advocacy program for Nature Conservation Margaret River Region.