WOMEN IN GEOSCIENCES CULTIVATING COMMUNITY AND COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

Geosciences continue to be the least diverse field, especially with regards to minoritized gender such as women among the natural sciences. While recent efforts focusing on recruiting women into the geosciences has improved in the past decade, current literature suggests phenomenological experiences of students and professionals can be a useful tool to motivate and attract gender minorities into the geosciences. This study investigates the experiences and perceptions of women-identifying students in geosciences to contribute to the literature on women's inclusion. Utilizing a phenomenological approach through semi-structured interviews, we asked 22 undergraduate and graduate geoscience students to share their student and mentee experiences, and how these experiences transform into their consciousness about inclusion and persistence in the geosciences. Thematic analysis of interviews highlight intrinsic motivations for entering geosciences, such as a sense of environmental stewardship and a passion for scientific discovery among undergraduate students. For graduate students, the importance of community leadership significantly influences their professional development and sense of belonging. Additionally, themes of service and outreach were prominent in narratives, reflecting commitment to broader societal impact. All of this compounded into judgments of their level of satisfaction, identity as geoscientist, and sense of community within the field. This study emphasizes the importance of fostering supportive communities and practices that give greater room for service-based projects to improve the participation, sense of belonging, and overall success of female-identifying students in the geosciences.