Emma Schultz

Title: PhD Student
Email: eas761@msstate.edu

Hi, my name is Emma Schultz, and I am originally from Silver Spring, Maryland. I earned a B.S. degree in Biology from Queens University of Charlotte where I was also a member of the softball team. I obtained a M.S. in Marine Sciences from Savannah State University focusing on genetic analysis, nesting, and movement patterns of green sea turtles in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. I've worked in several marine ecology-related positions including as a science educator at the Tybee Island Marine Science center, sea turtle biologist for South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and assistant coordinator for the Mississippi Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network. Most recently, I obtained a Ph.D. in Forest Resources from Mississippi State University within the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Department under the mentorship of Dr. Ray Iglay and Dr. Kristine Evans. My Ph.D. research utilized an agent-based modeling approach to simulate animal movements and drone survey patterns to inform practitioners of the most effective and efficient methods to monitor animal populations using drones.

I now serve as a Research Scientist at the Geosystems Research Institute (GRI) at Mississippi State University where I help facilitate various GRI research projects and implementation of high-performance computing. My diverse skillset allows me contribute across several multi-disciplinary projects.

My research interests include utilizing technology and machine learning applications to conduct novel research. Broadly, my interests also include the conservation of threatened and endangered species, as well as the impacts of changing climate trends. I'm a huge sports fan and can be found at many MSU sporting events (especially softball games). In my free time, you will find me cheering on the MSU sports teams, traveling, or out on the tennis/pickleball court. Hail State!

Personal Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-schultz-357a2555