Emmy Smith

Emmy Smith is an Associate Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in sedimentary geology and Earth history. Her research investigates the co-evolution of life, climate, oceans, and tectonics during critical transitions in Earth's history, particularly the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian periods.

Research integrates field mapping, stratigraphy, paleontology, isotope geochemistry, and geochronology across global field sites. Current projects examine the breakup of Rodinia, Ediacaran biota extinctions, and Cambrian radiation patterns.

Recent publications focus on regional taphonomy, sequence stratigraphy, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Her work combines detailed field observations with laboratory analyses to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and tectonic settings.

Dr. Smith mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers in field-based geology and geochemical techniques. She leads field expeditions to Mongolia, Namibia, and the southwestern United States, with funding from NSF and institutional grants.