In 2007, Emily moved to Hawaii sight unseen to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a marine biologist. She later attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where she earned a degree in Marine Science with a minor in Geology. During her studies, she obtained her Divemaster certification in 2010 and gained diverse experience working on research vessels at UHH and with the Boy Scouts of America.
Since arriving in Kona in 2013, she has spent over a decade working with various dive and snorkel companies, leading eco-tours along the coast. In 2016, she earned her captain’s license and, after logging approximately 2,000 dives, transitioned to a “top-side” role for a few years.
Her career journey also includes four years as a high school teacher, during which she taught Hawaiian Marine Biology, Exercise Science, and Geometry. While teaching, she furthered her expertise by earning a Master of Education in Teaching Secondary Science from UH Manoa.
Now happily back on the water, Emily spends her free time freediving, exercising, and enjoying life with her husband and her cat. A festive spirit at heart, she counts Christmas as one of her favorite things. You might also recognize her from dive magazines or Aqualung advertisements; she can even be spotted in an award-winning photo by Bo Pardau displayed in the Kona Honu Divers shop.