Emily Kay is a writer, professor and storyteller living in Detroit. She’s heavily guided by her work aboard expedition vessels as a naturalist throughout the polar regions, South Pacific, Europe and North America. Since retiring from shipboard life, Emily has focused on navigating the world as a woman, artist and mother. In recent years, she earned an MFA in Writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, founded the MacGriff Writing Studio and worked with the Outdoor Writers Association of America. She teaches Climate Narratives and Advocacy through the College for Creative Studies’ Design for Sustainability MA/MFA program.

AI Statement: While she doesn’t currently use AI assistance in creative writing drafting, ideation or structuring, she recognizes its potential for some artistic practices, creators and projects she may pursue in the future. Her relationship with this new medium will be made clear alongside any pieces generated in communication with it.