EMILY KOEHLER, CLIENT CARE REPRESENTATIVE

Emily was born in Hayward, California and relocated to West Linn, Oregon with her family at the age of 10. Growing up, her family had an assortment of goats, chickens, rabbits, hamsters as well as cats and dogs. This instilled a love for the natural world.

With a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Studies from Portland State University, Emily initially embarked on a career in the veterinary field. Her journey in the veterinary field included roles as a pet-sitter, vet assistant, and lab animal technician at OHSU. However, it was her experience working for a biotechnology company, where she was involved in synthesizing artificial DNA, that catalyzed a shift in her career aspirations. This exposure to the cutting-edge intersection of biology and technology led Emily to a pivotal decision. Instead of pursuing veterinary school as she had initially planned, she opted to delve into another direction. Emily is now a full-time graduate student at Northeastern University, passionately pursuing bioinformatics, with an interest in evolution and comparative biology. 

In her free time, Emily enjoys a variety of crafting projects and DIYs, reading, painting and spending time with her cat, Owen. As a vegetarian, Emily is passionate about expanding her culinary skills, experimenting with new, flavorful vegetarian recipes that align with her lifestyle. 

As Emily continues her academic journey in bioinformatics at Northeastern University, her heart remains tethered to her first love — animals. No matter where her studies and future career take her, she is determined to weave this enduring passion into her work. Emily envisions a future where her skills in bioinformatics not only advance scientific understanding but also contribute to the welfare and conservation of animals.