A HISTORY OF WOMEN IN GEOSCIENCE: THE SEARCH FOR A ROLE MODEL

This presentation explores how the stories of the lives and careers of women geoscientists, both early and modern, can be used to provide role models for current students and professionals. From distant stars to Earth’s core, women have made significant contributions to our understanding of Earth and its relationship with the cosmos. Women of western culture, during the past two centuries are emphasized, mainly because it is difficult to find the existence of women geoscientists in non-western culture, and previous to the nineteenth century. However, the accomplishments, struggles and recognition of these women can inspire anyone interested in a career in a geoscience. Elizabeth Cabot Agassiz, Emily Dix, Florence Bascom, Henrietta Swan Leavitt, Inge Lenmann, Isabel Basset Wasson, Katia Krafft, Lou Henry, Marie Tharp, Mary Anning, Mary Horner Lyell, Mignon Talbot, Winifred Goldring, and more: If you haven’t heard of these women, you should. Come and learn a valuable history of our chosen field, and find an inspiration or two for yourself.