Emma Seegmiller

Emma Seegmiller (she/her) is an Intern with the Foundation for Social Connection in Washington D.C. She recently graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Brigham Young University, where she studied social connection and its benefits to mental and physical health.

From 2023-2025 she worked first as a research assistant and then as the lab manager of the Social Connections and Health lab, under the direction of Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a leading expert on the health effects of social connection and loneliness. Through her studies, Emma has developed a passion for raising awareness around the dangers of loneliness and providing opportunities for others to connect. Whether it’s chatting with a stranger in a coffee shop or connecting with a friend on FaceTime, Emma loves to be that friendly face people know they can turn to.

Emma is just beginning her professional journey, and hopes to attend graduate school after a few years of hands-on experience. She is interested in clinical psychology, community-building, mental healthcare reform, and (of course) social connection. In her time with the foundation, she will focus primarily on planning, organizing and facilitating the October 2025 Seeds of Connection Conference. She has developed a love of people through her past work as a barista, ballet teacher, ASD preschool aid, and researcher.

Outside of work, she finds joy in movement and creativity. She earned her Contemporary Dance Minor with BYU and has travelled the world training and performing with several contemporary dance companies. Originally, from Santa Clarita, CA, Emma took her first dance class at the age of 3 and doesn’t remember a time where she wasn’t twirling around in a tutu. Now, you will likely find her in a studio, practicing hot yoga, attempting a new pilates class, or forcing her friends to join her on the dance floor.

What drives you to work on addressing social isolation and loneliness and fostering social connection?

I’ve always been fascinated by what helps people feel seen, safe, and supported. In both my research and personal life, I’ve come to believe that connection is at the heart of it all. While working in the lab, I studied the profound impact that loneliness can have on our physical and mental health. But the science only reinforced what I already knew from experience, that even brief moments of genuine connection can completely reshape someone’s day, week, and life. I want to help build a world where the need for human connection is recognized, protected, and fulfilled.