Emily Gaines

Emily Gaines (she/her or they/them) is educator, artist and environmentalist. In 2018 she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Theater Arts from Stony Brook University. In 2019 she received her Master of Arts in Arts Politics from NYU. She is currently an environmental educator for NYS Parks in the NYC region. She teaches all ages, from toddlers to adults, to appreciate the outdoors and become community stewards. Her focus is on environmental art and she has introduced new programs such as puppet shows. She believes art is an essential tool for connecting people, especially children, to the environment through creative play. When the pandemic hit and moved education online, Emily taught herself video editing skills to record virtual field trips and YouTube videos. In her free time, she works on her own art portfolio, painting and writing. She is passionate about queer studies and women’s rights. When outdoors you can find her birding, looking for mushrooms, or simply enjoying the sunshine. When indoors, find her curled up with a fantasy book or binging the latest Netflix show.

What drew to the MA Arts Politics Program?

I have always felt most connected to my voice and my community through theatre, even as I discovered my passion for animals and as I worked towards a degree in Biology. This program caught my eye as being a perfect way to do that. It provides the flexibility for me to expand my knowledge on using art as a political platform and communicating environmental issues in more accessible ways.