Dr. Emily Horton

Emily Horton is an environmental social scientist with a career dedicated to addressing complex socio-ecological challenges in a collaborative, creative, and inclusive manner. She has worked across government, academic, and nonprofit sectors in the U.S. and Latin America, including in Paraguay as a Peace Corps environmental educator and grant-writer for a conservation nonprofit. In Washington, Emily has contributed to the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program, worked as an equity specialist for the Washington Department of Health, supported the Puget Sound Partnership’s Human Wellbeing Vital Signs through Oregon State University, and serves on the board for the Northwest Straits Foundation. Currently, as a social scientist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s International Affairs Program, she ensures that social science is integrated into global transdisciplinary conservation efforts.

Emily earned her PhD in Integrative Conservation and Anthropology from the University of Georgia in 2020, while serving as a Knauss marine policy fellow and partnership specialist with NOAA’s National Sea Grant Program. Her doctoral research in a Brazilian marine reserve examined the relationship between sustainable fisheries governance and food systems, local ecological knowledge, and wellbeing.

Emily is honored to serve on the Science Advisory Committee and work alongside others to promote community-centered, place-based approaches that support ecosystem health and sustainable resource use in the Salish Sea. As a resident of Guemes Island, she feels deeply committed to the stewardship of this beautiful region. Outside work, Emily enjoys creating nature-inspired art, all-things-food, and coastal outings with her husband, kiddo, and energetic Australian shepherd.