Emily I. Burt,
PhD
Research
I'm an earth scientist who's fascinated by water in landscapes. I study the age of river water, the sources of water taken up by plants, and interactions between water and rocks.
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My approach to science typically involves visits to field sites to collect water samples, and lab work to analyze the geochemistry of the waters. During my PhD I carried out five years of water sampling in the Andes mountains and Amazon floodplain of southern Peru as part of a collaborative effort to study the hydrology and geochemistry of tropical mountainous watersheds. See the Publications page for more details on my past work in Peru.
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Education
I obtained my PhD in Geological Sciences from the University of Southern California in August, 2022. Before moving to Los Angeles in 2015, I lived on the east coast of the U.S: I completed my undergraduate education in 2015 at the University of Pittsburgh, earning dual degrees in Environmental Geology (B.S.) and Spanish (B.A.). I grew up in Upstate New York, surrounded by lakes and rivers that fueled my interest in the water cycle.
Other interests
Beyond the earth sciences, I’m interested in exercise and the musculoskeletal system. Due to my own recent experiences recovering from orthopedic surgeries, I've learned to enjoy whatever type of exercise is accessible and embrace the changing nature of ability. Currently, I’m loving trail running and hiking. I bring the enthusiasm of a researcher to my hobbies, and in my free time listen to physical therapy podcasts and read about exercise science.
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I also enjoy art and design and love taking on projects in Adobe Illustrator. Check out the designs tab to see some of my work.
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