From as far back as Emme can remember, they have been fascinated with the concept of food preparation. Therefore, when the opportunity came for them to choose their undergraduate major, they decided to pursue a degree in Food Chemistry. Through work and further studies, Emme's appreciation for the importance of the provision of safe food has evolved beyond looking at what takes place at the manufacturing stage, to now encompass the linkages demonstrated by the water-food-land-energy nexus. It has become much more evident to them that the sustainability of virtually all economic sectors is inextricably linked to the availability of clean water. This has influenced their decision to pursue a career as well as graduate studies in the field of Environmental Sciences, with a hydrogeochemical focus.  Hence, Emme’s thesis was entitled, ‘A Multiple Pathways Approach to Water Quality Analysis: A Study of the Hope River Watershed, Jamaica supervised by Dr. Vaughn Rattray (Department of Chemistry). Their present interest lies in developing effective management systems that will promote sustainability by centering the users of natural resources in decision-making processes. This will promote the protection of the environment and its people, further promoting sustainable development.

Emme's work at the Caribbean’s leading environmental consultancy firm, Environmental Solutions Limited (ESL) supported their research. The experience garnered from their employment at ESL has allowed them to become more aware of several of the environmental issues affecting Jamaica. Emme has also become more knowledgeable about how inadequate data, weak legislation, and inefficient enforcement of environmental laws have contributed to environmental degradation in Jamaica. Their master’s thesis, therefore, was their entry point into environmental data management for decision-making. Their focus on the impact of weather and anthropogenic factors on water resources in the Hope River Watershed in Jamaica was approached using chemometrics techniques where they showed the importance of multiple pathways to data analysis. It included the use of water quality indices to assess changes in water quality over time and space.

Emme's current work includes developing transformative approaches for ensuring equity, inclusion, and justice in environmental decision-making. With interests in human rights and justice, they are focused on assessing environmental policy and development from the lens of historically marginalized populations such as indigenous peoples, women, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. Through this, they hope to be integrally involved in the development of effective management systems that promote sustainability by centering the end-users of natural resources at various levels.

Emme was recently awarded a Master of Philosophy degree in Chemistry from the Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona.

Published: July 5, 2022