Emma Curtis

Research Associate, Global Food and Water Security Program
Emma Dodd

Emma Curtis (formerly Emma Dodd) is a research associate with the Global Food and Water Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. In this role, she covers agricultural development in conflict and post-conflict settings, principally the Russia-Ukraine war. She also supports research on agricultural trade and technological innovations for food and water security. Ms. Curtis holds a BA in international relations, with minors in political economy; environmental and sustainability studies; and science, technology, environment, and public policy, from Michigan State University. She is a 2025–2026 U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation scholarship awardee and a Communications Fellow with NASA Lifelines. Emma holds a graduate certificate in geospatial intelligence from the University of Maryland and is currently pursuing an MS in geospatial intelligence.

 

Programs & Projects

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AI and Global Food Security: A Focus on Crop Breeding

AI promises to transform modern crop breeding, helping develop more resilient, nutritious, and higher-yielding crops with unprecedented pace—though barriers remain. CSIS experts unpack the benefits and risks of AI-enabled innovations for crop breeding around the world.

Critical Questions by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, and Caitlin Welsh — March 26, 2026

Chokepoint: How the War with Iran Threatens Global Food Security

The war with Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint in global oil, natural gas, and fertilizer trade. CSIS experts examine the immediate impacts on farmers and markets—and the long-term risks to food security if shipping does not resume.

Critical Questions by Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh — March 11, 2026

The Russia-Ukraine War and Global Food Security: Impacts Four Years Later

Russia’s war in Ukraine caused immediate and widespread disruptions to Ukraine’s agriculture sector and global food markets. Today, new patterns are emerging, affecting Ukraine’s agricultural recovery and Russia’s ability to use its food exports for political benefit.

Critical Questions by CSIS Scholars — February 24, 2026

Russia-Ukraine War in 10 Charts

Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the war in Ukraine has reshaped European security, global markets, and the balance of power. These 10 charts break down the battlefield, economic strain, military aid shifts, reconstruction costs, and what comes next.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — February 24, 2026

Audio Briefs

AI and Global Food Security: A Focus on Early Warning Systems

An audio version of "⁠AI and Global Food Security: A Focus on Early Warning Systems⁠," a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Emma Dodd, Zane Swanson, and Caitlin Welsh. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Emma Curtis, Zane Swanson, and Caitlin Welsh — January 20, 2026

Audio Briefs

AI and Global Food Security: A Focus on Early Warning Systems

AI promises to improve food security early warning systems, which help inform decisionmakers and prevent hunger before it arises. CSIS experts unpack the risks and benefits of AI-enabled tools for food security early warning systems around the world.

Critical Questions by Emma Curtis, Zane Swanson, and Caitlin Welsh — January 20, 2026

AI & Global Food Security: A Focus on Precision Agriculture

As the world needs to produce more food with fewer resources, AI-enabled precision agriculture offers a more sustainable future for food production. CSIS experts unpack the risks and promises of AI for farmers and the world. 

Critical Questions by Emma Curtis, Zane Swanson, and Caitlin Welsh — August 13, 2025

Audio Briefs

AI & Global Food Security: A Focus on Precision Agriculture

An audio version of “⁠AI & Global Food Security: A Focus on Precision Agriculture,⁠” a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Emma Dodd, Zane Swanson, and Caitlin Welsh. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Emma Curtis, Zane Swanson, and Caitlin Welsh — August 13, 2025

Audio Briefs