She studied math and physics at Gettysburg College, studied abroad at Lancaster University in England, and went on to earn her Master's and Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. In 2013, Emma joined PSU and became a Project NExT fellow within the Mathematical Association of America. Currently, Emma employs active learning pedagogy and growth-mindset assessment. She has adapted, written, and included student work in an OER book on Elementary Abstract Algebra. One of Emma's goals is to become a cost-free professor.