Emily Cardarelli

Emily is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Earth System Science at Stanford University. Her research explores microbial diversity beneath the Earth’s surface and seeks to understand how microbial communities at soil-water interfaces influence water quality in the American West. Using laboratory- and field-based studies, her research provides a foundation for understanding how microbial communities respond under long-term drought-to-flood conditions and limit the movement of heavy metals from floodplain soils to water bodies. Emily aspires to collaborate with local and federal agencies on developing policies that account for subsurface microbial communities when estimating ecosystem services and long-term risks to future energy and water resources.

At Stanford, Emily has received funding through the School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences and served as an executive board member on their Graduate Student Advisory Council. Prior to starting her Ph.D., Emily worked briefly for the U.S. Army as a research analyst where she identified and advanced policy recommendations for retaining a highly specialized, diverse workforce.

Emily holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science from Tulane University. Funded by NOAA’s SeaGrant Program, her undergraduate thesis initiated research at a man-made wetland in coastal Louisiana and determined its capacity for attenuating nutrients was seasonally limited. While at Tulane, she also worked in the greater New Orleans community on collaborative projects between the City of New Orleans and university partners. These projects created outdoor active-learning spaces for local middle- and high-school students centered on nutrient cycling within soils.

In recognition of her commitment to mentorship, involvement in her community, and professional achievements, Emily is the recipient of Stanford’s Certificate of Mentorship, the Tulane 34 Award, and the U.S. Army’s Certificate of Achievement, among others.