Research Oceanographer, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA

AGU embraces the global community and welcomes diverse leaders from around the world, representing various identities, voices, and perspectives. List any identities, voices, and perspectives you would bring, including but not limited to nationality, regional representations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and any other identity you feel comfortable sharing.

As a sea-going female physical oceanographer, I have tried to actively promote diversity and inclusion in our community via mentoring and recruitment in order to give under-represented groups a voice. I have pursued this not only within my own laboratory, but also in a range of programs such as Mentoring Physical Oceanography Women to Increase Retention (MPOWIR). Support for a diverse and welcoming scientific community is an ongoing integral and vital part of my scientific career, and if elected Ocean Sciences President, I will continue to support diversity enhancement at AGU.

Volunteer experience that relates to this position:

Volunteer experience includes Secretary, Ocean Sciences - Physical Oceanography (2019-2022); member (2019-2022) and chair (2019-2020) of Ocean Sciences Fall Meeting Program Committee; editor, Geophysical Research Letters (2017–2020); OSPA Advisory Committee (2021); member, Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans editor-in-chief search committee; member, Tropical Pacific Observing System-2020 science committee (2016-2022); deputy co-chair, North Pacific Oceanography Circulation Experiment (2019-present); member, CLIVAR Indian Ocean Regional panel (2022); co-leader, Mentoring Physical Oceanography Women to Increase Retention (MPOWIR) mentoring groups (2010–2013; 2015–2017; 2019-2021)

This leadership position is a liaison role; it is one that aims to catalyze community and build AGU as envisioned by the strategic plan. How will you engage with members of your section to advance AGU’s strategic plan? How will you facilitate engagement with other sections and people outside AGU to support our mission?

If elected president of the Ocean Sciences (OS) section, I aim to promote the mission and vision of the AGU strategic plan and convey the excitement of discovery in ocean sciences to those both inside and outside my community. My work in various national and international committees, and being a sea-going oceanographer, has made me a team player with a willingness to work collaboratively for the benefit of the collective whole. I will strive for more integration among OS sub-disciplines by encouraging interdisciplinary sessions at our meetings and organizing cross-sectional social events to better foster discovery and integration of scientific knowledge. I would strive to make AGU membership, honors nominations, and invited speakers at AGU meetings as diverse and representative of our society at large. A more inclusive OS section will foster creative and innovative teamwork by incorporating a wider range of ideas and perspectives that will enrich our community and help break down barriers. Creating an atmosphere that is transparent and open will also encourage young people to feel they have a stake in the society and take on leadership roles themselves. I particularly value the role that student and early career members play in generating enthusiasm and promoting ideas that strengthen AGU meetings and activities. They are the next generation of scientists and it is essential to reach out and listen to their viewpoints and concerns. As envisioned in the strategic plan, I am committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment for all AGU members.

Section affiliations:

Ocean Sciences