As the Digital Producer of Engagement for Science Friday, Emma helps develop audience strategy, writes the “Science Goes To The Movies” newsletter series and other journalistic articles, and contributes to the visual artistic direction of Science Friday’s digital platforms.
Emma was born and raised in Queens, New York, to Colombian and Jewish parents. She has a BA in Evolutionary Biology of the Human Species from Columbia University. Emma is a writer and illustrator who loves drawing primates, including naked humans. She is also a performance artist, having performed and directed experimental pieces for Ars Nova, Soho Playhouse, Williamsburg Art Nexus, The Tank, Times Square Arts, and more.
In her spare time, Emma listens to many musical soundtracks, writes a substack loveletter to junkfood, and tends to her coping mechanisms like G-d to the garden of Eden. Dave Malloy, if you’re reading this, you’ve changed my life forever.
Don’t Lick The Toad From ‘Friendship’
In the movie, Tim Robinson seeks a psychedelic experience from an unusual source. Herpetologists want others to just say no.
Chasing A Butterfly Down Its Changing Migration Route
Each year, painted lady butterflies migrate thousands of miles between Africa and Europe. As the environment changes, so do their journeys.
This Mission Was Possible, According To Medical Professionals
In the new “Mission: Impossible,” agent Ethan Hunt takes a death-defying dive. Doctors tell us the science of saving real-life scuba divers.
The Science Of That Big Stunt From The New ‘Mission: Impossible’
How the “Final Reckoning” crew used science to bring an underwater stunt to life. Plus, the psychology behind thrill-seeking.
In ‘The Shrouds,’ E-Textiles Capture The Intimacy Of Death
The movie’s burial shroud is a way to surveil the dead. In real life, artists are capturing intimate moments by weaving tech into textiles.
The Academy Award For Science You’ve Never Heard Of
Since 1931, the Academy has recognized technological innovations in the film industry. One 2025 honoree has taken fire stunts to the next level.
Cosmic Chemistry? It Was “Love At First Science”
We asked our listeners to tell us how they found love while doing or appreciating science. Read on for some romantic resonance.
‘Common Side Effects’ And The Race To Save Invisible Fungi
A “mycology thriller” imagines a hidden healing mushroom. In real life, scientists are searching far and wide to map the world’s unseen fungi.
10:50
In ‘Common Side Effects,’ A Clash Over An All-Healing Mushroom
The show’s starring scientist finds a mushroom that can heal any ailment. But powerful people will do anything to stop him from cultivating it.
12:38
Meet 3 Leaders Addressing Local Conservation Problems
What makes three very different conservation projects so successful? These experts say it’s getting the community involved.