Gemma graduated from Allegheny College with degrees in Art and Biology. She has over 25 years of graphic design, writing, and editing experience and is also an avid birder. Gemma is a member of both the Montgomery and Frederick chapters of the Maryland Ornithological Society and often leads field trips for members. A licensed bird bander, she ran a MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) banding station for nine years, and now teaches introductory ornithology and other birding classes.