Emma completed her PhD with the University of Warwick and Rothamsted Research. The focus of her thesis was the effect of pathogens on honeybee behaviour including using the proboscis extension reflex to test learning and memory, harmonic radar technology to examine orientation flight patterns and molecular methods to detect and quantify honeybee viral loads.

Since starting work with the bee team at Fera, Emma has worked with the International Commission for Pollinator Plant Relationships (ICPPR) working groups to develop new OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals with both honeybees and bumblebees. She is currently involved in ring testing to produce an RFID test to detect sub-lethal effects of pesticides on honeybees, and a working group aiming to develop tests for non-apis species including a chronic feeding test for bumblebees.

Emma is a GLP study director focusing mainly on OECD laboratory tests including acute contact and oral tests for both honey bees and bumblebees, chronic 10-day feeding tests for honeybees and single and repeat dose tests for honeybee larvae. She has also worked on field and semi-field studies and bespoke tests such as using choice chambers to determine the attractiveness of pesticide treated baits.