Biography

Emmalee is passionate about scientific literacy and education about reproductive health. Having began her university journey studying to become a secondary science teacher, Emmalee was determined to inspire the next generation of scientists. Realising the research potential at the University of Newcastle, Emmalee decided to pursue her goal in a new environment, by working with other scientists and the public to increase awareness about fertility and reproductive health.

Emmalee completed her PhD in 2021, where she looked at the underlying mechanism of how eggs in the ovary grow and are lost, to provide new directions for diagnosing people at risk of early fertility loss. Throughout her PhD, Emmalee also focused on what the public knows about fertility, including the study of reproductive health apps which feature apps that track menstrual cycles. She believes that apps have an important role to play in understanding fertility, but there is much more work to be done.

"I understand that everyone has different life plans, but people’s age shouldn’t be a doomsday clock signalling the end of fertility. I am working to provide accessible, personalised and accurate resources for people throughout their life that don’t leave people under pressure to race the fertility clock."

Speaking about her work, Emmalee says her focus is on supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights in Australia. This involves combating taboos, improving knowledge and awareness and even shifting the culture of our society.

“It’s a lofty goal, but there are some critical sexual health issues that need solving through this approach: domestic violence, reproductive coercion, access to abortion, elimination of cervical cancer, screening and treatment for STIs and BBVs, the list goes on. Our reproductive systems are so critical to our overall health and wellbeing. They’re responsible for the future of humankind, and yet they are so secretive and under-researched.”

Emmalee identifies as lgbtqia+.

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