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Women in Geology—A Rich History For
Tomorrow’s Geoscientists
The geosciences have a rich history full of remarkable geolo- The ability to share one’s experience and wisdom with the next
gists, and many of GSA’s programs and awards were founded to generation lies at the heart of a GSA program at our annual meet-
honor and celebrate these individuals’ legacies. Yet, there are ing—the Women in Geology Career Pathways Reception and
many voices that have been lost from—or worse, written out Mentor Roundtables. Speakers from various employment sectors
of—our history. The lives and contributions of women to our share their experience of being a woman in geology, touching on
science are being more fully recovered, documented, and equally some of the positives as well as challenges they have faced
celebrated, so that their experiences may help inform and inspire through the years. Afterward, female mentors are available at
current and future geoscientists. round tables to meet with students and early career professionals
in small groups to discuss these topics in more depth. Participants
Anomalies—Pioneering Women in Petroleum Geology: 1917– are encouraged to ask questions and network with their peers.
2017, by Robbie Gries, president of the Geological Society of
America, examines the lives of these remarkable women as sci- Speaking of her own experience in the Career Pathways
entists, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists. Initially setting out Reception, Robbie tells us, “It is always uplifting to talk to the
“to preserve our stories—mainly thinking about we women who young women at the GSA receptions, to see their faces light up
made our 1970s debut into the ‘no woman’s land’ of the oil with our tales and experiences, to think we might be an inspira-
patch,” Robbie’s book grew to encompass a broader history. tion too.” The impact these mentors can have on students is pro-
found. One participant told us in their program evaluation, “As a
The main objective for this book was to uncover the history of grad student that is contemplating starting a family and striving
women in the science and business of petroleum geology, to for a work-life balance, I found the stories and tips very useful.
appreciate their lives, their struggles, their successes, and their You were all very inspiring!”
failures. Robbie notes, “I wanted to better appreciate the building
blocks they provided to our generation and future generations.” Join us in ensuring that the experiences and stories of women
in the geosciences will be preserved and shared. Your support
Through her research, including informative and inspiring allows us to continue mentor programs where future geoscien-
interactions with the relatives and descendants of many of these tists can be inspired by this important information. Contact
early pioneers, Robbie shares with us their stories so that “young Clifton Cullen at +1-303-357-1007 or ccullen@geosociety.org to
people who fall in love with geology, as these women did, will learn more.
enjoy knowing of their adventures, adversities, successes, and
inspirational effect.”
Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and talk about their
experiences during the mentor roundtables.
Robbie Gries speaking at the 2018 GSA Women in Geology Career Path-
way Reception.
www.geosociety.org/gsatoday 25
