Emma has an MA in the Archaeology of Historic Buildings, a Higher Diploma in Archaeology and a BA in History from UCC (2004-2007). She has worked as a heritage consultant for Southgate Associates since 2007, where she advises on planning compliance with historic buildings and in historic settings, writes Conservation Strategy Reports and Architectural Heritage Impact Assessments for structures in both urban and rural settings, contributes to Environmental Impact Assessment Reports and acts as a member of Design Teams for larger mixed-use developments.

Before her current position, she worked on medieval and post-medieval archaeological excavations in Cork City Centre. She is also an Associate Director of Southgate Associates.