Halo! My name is Emily Hudgins, and I grew up in a small town in West Tennessee. I have always loved animals and being outside, but I never imagined that my love for nature would one day take me around the world!
I studied biology, agriculture, and chemistry in college and later continued studying biology in graduate school. Along the way, I became a scuba diver and discovered how much I love exploring aquatic ecosystems and seeing animals in their natural habitats.
Now, I am heading to Indonesia as a Fulbright researcher! I will live on the small island of Nusa Penida, near Bali, where I will also complete Divemaster training and learn more about marine conservation.
My research will focus on what happens when land and sea meet. During Indonesia's rainy season, rainwater can wash soil, sediment, and nutrients from land into the ocean. I want to find out how this runoff affects the small animals, called macroinvertebrates, that live along the coast. These include animals like snails, worms, sea stars, and my personal favorite, nudibranchs! I will compare different coastal areas and measure things like water clarity, sediment, and nutrients to see what might be affecting the animals that live there. Learning about these small creatures can help us better understand the health of the entire coastal ecosystem.
I am excited to bring you along as I explore Indonesia! I hope to share the animals I find, what it is like to be a scientist in the field, my scuba adventures, and what I learn about Indonesian culture and everyday life. I cannot wait to explore with you!
Want to learn how you could be a Fulbright Scholar like me? The Fulbright Program is the United States government's flagship international exchange program. Fulbrighters foster mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, share knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world. Learn more by clicking here!
