Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Emily Ury is an applied ecologist and environmental scientist who joined Colgate in fall 2025. Professor Ury’s field of research spans ecological restoration, nature-based solutions to environmental problems, and ecological responses to global change, specifically linking these topics to the study of wetlands. Professor Ury works to uncover the vulnerabilities of wetlands as well as their potential for unique solutions to global environmental challenges. Professor Ury shares how she embarked on her current pathway focused upon ecological and environmental topics and shares her experience and insights from her field of work and research.
How did you discover your passion for researching ecological and environmental topics?
Having a positive impact on the environment has always been a key career goal for me, but it took me a long time to land on the specific topics that I research now. Spending time outdoors really feeds my soul, so I have always sought opportunities to do field research and work outside (farming, gardening, leading backpacking trips). Somewhere along the way, I realized that environments that have been polluted or degraded by human impacts, while perhaps not alluring to spend time in, are sorely in need of more research attention. Water bodies end up receiving a lot of the impact of human activity, but some — wetlands in particular — can help process pollutants and be part of the solution to environmental degradation. The more I learn about wetlands, the more fascinated I become by their amazing ecological potential!
What are the most pressing questions in wetland ecology research today?
Wetlands are uniquely poised to help address pressing environmental issues, but they are also increasingly threatened by human impacts. One timely question about wetlands surrounds how their natural emissions of methane are rising due to climate change and whether or not there is anything we can do about this. Despite being a natural source of methane, the additional methane that wetlands will emit as the planet warms can be considered anthropogenic, if indirectly. Obviously, wetlands provide numerous beneficial functions and should be protected, but part of my research seeks to investigate safe management strategies for addressing rising methane emissions.
Another area where wetland research is moving quickly is for improving wetland use for stormwater and runoff management. This is especially important in areas like upstate New York, where climate change is driving up the frequency of intense storms. Wetlands and riparian buffers are natural solutions to these problems, but there is a lot we don't know about effective design and implementation. It is a problem that requires interdisciplinary perspectives as we navigate how best to leverage wetlands to address environmental problems at various scales.
What do you think is the most intriguing topic about wetlands that arose from your studies?
One thing I love about wetlands is how they inspire a lot of green design. For example, stormwater infrastructure and wastewater treatment often has elements that are based around the natural functions of wetlands. When a stormwater retention basin has wetland plants and other natural features, it also provides habitat for wildlife, is aesthetic, and provides numerous additional benefits to people and nature. The idea of using benefit stacking as a tool for incorporating nature into planning and design is an emerging theme within my work. In my research program at Colgate, I hope to look for new motivations and modes of implementing wetlands and other nature-based solutions for addressing environmental challenges.
What is your advice for Colgate students interested in continuing a journey in the academic field of environmental studies?
As a scientist, I need to emphasize the importance of basic scientific literacy and confidence with interpreting and using data. Regardless of what career sector you are heading into, the ability to interpret scientific data is so important. We have increasingly more environmental data at our disposal, but making sense of it and using it to make the best possible decisions for addressing environmental challenges is how we will effect changes that move us toward a more sustainable future. Beyond that, I would also say, it is important to remain hopeful. There are many smart, dedicated people in the world doing inspiring work to move the needle on environmental issues and, collectively, we are making progress. Even when it feels like environmental challenges are insurmountable, remind yourself of little wins to help ground a positive mindset. Doing this will help you to stay sane and motivated to do this important work.