Emily Fairfax

Dr. Emily Fairfax serves as an Assistant Professor of Geography in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Society at the University of Minnesota and maintains an affiliation with the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory. Her academic profile integrates cutting-edge environmental research with innovative science education initiatives.

Her primary research investigates the ecohydrological transformations in riparian landscapes engineered by beaver damming. Through integrated remote sensing analysis, hydrological modeling, and intensive field studies, she quantifies spatial and temporal changes in these ecosystems. Complementing this work, she actively develops science education curricula to enhance pedagogical approaches in environmental sciences.

Dr. Fairfax pioneers science communication through "The Golden State Naturalist" podcast and immersive 360-degree virtual field experiences of beaver habitats, such as those documented at Schwabacher’s Landing in Grand Teton National Park. Her affiliation with the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory provides critical infrastructure for watershed-scale research while enabling public-facing educational outreach that bridges academic science and community engagement.