Emily's work at The Foundation is focused in three areas: conservation of globally significant, biodiversity hotspots in Southern California, community-based efforts to eliminate toxic substances which revitalize green spaces, and regional efforts to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation. Before she joined The Foundation, Dr. Young was an assistant professor at the University of Arizona, where she taught courses on environment and society, geography, and Latin America. She also lived and worked in Baja California, Mexico, where she conducted field research on wildlife protection, community-based conservation, and sustainable development in coastal areas of Baja California. Dr. Young was recently awarded the 2011 Nicholas P. Bollman Award, which recognizes Smart Growth Leaders Who Inspire through Values and Actions.