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Creating a Diverse, Welcoming Geoscience
Community—An Interview with Tahlia Bear, GSA’s
Diversity and Career Officer
Can you tell us about your career path that led you to GSA,
including what attracted you to work for diversity and
inclusivity in STEM fields?
I was the first in my family to go to college and I knew early on
that I wanted to major in science. My classes were really tough my
first semester and I didn’t feel prepared or supported and ended up
doing poorly. Once I graduated, I was still attracted to jobs related
to the environment, and since I had done summer teaching for the
Upward Bound program, I wanted to work with students from
underrepresented communities. Being American Indian, I have
first-hand experience in knowing what challenges students face in
pursuing science degrees. Throughout my career I have worked
with educators, universities, and high school students who are
vested in building interest in, as well as encouraging and support-
ing, students pursuing a degree in the sciences. This is my way of
giving back.
An important aspect of your position is managing On To the
Future (OTF). Since you have individual interactions with the
students, can you describe the impact this program has in the
lives of its participants?
I love the stories of student success! I enjoy hearing about a
connection they made at the meeting that led to a graduate degree
program or job interview, or has opened their horizon in some
way. One of the most important elements is mentorship—each
OTF student is paired with a mentor and together they navigate
the annual meeting. For most participants, this is their first big
scientific meeting—it can be overwhelming. The mentors and the
other OTF participants help ease this stress while showing that
you have a community to support you.
Tahlia (right) addressing OTF participants and mentors during the 2017 Tahlia enjoying a hike to Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness,
Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington, USA.
www.gsafweb.org
In what ways would you like to see OTF grow and expand?
I have enjoyed seeing past OTF students volunteer to be mentors
to incoming OTF students, while others have been nominated to
GSA committees or involved in the student advisory committee.
The idea of giving back not only to students but to GSA is very
positive. This is their organization and it’s great they want to help
shape it. As far as program expansion—OTF students have an
incredible sense of community, giving back, and sharing their
passion for their science. I’d love to explore ways GSA can help
support them in pursuing opportunities to give back to their
communities.
In addition to OTF, what other ways are you working to help
GSA become a more diverse and inclusive organization?
This past year I worked closely with the diversity committee to
make diversity and inclusivity more visible at the annual meeting,
including the Respectful Inclusive Scientific Events (RISE) initia-
tive that is now a part of all GSA events. I’ve also ensured that
GSA has a presence at minority-serving conferences. A few years
ago we were able to partner with the Society for Advancement of
Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
to fund students to attend the SACNAS and GSA annual meet-
ings, and I hope to do more cross-collaborative partnerships with
other societies.
Join Tahlia in creating a diverse, welcoming geoscience
community! Your support can ensure more student success stories
in years to come. Learn how you can help at gsafweb.org/fund/
on-to-the-future-fund.
Colorado, USA.
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