Research Geophysicist - Mendenhall Fellow, U.S. Geological Survey, Golden, CO, 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.

I proudly represent women in science.

Volunteer experience that relates to this position:

I was a representative for AGU Natural Hazards (NH) section Student/Early Career committee for 5 years, where I organized a field trip and created content for Hazard Minutes YouTube video series. I chaired AGU technical sessions, co-moderated two panels (2018 Disaster Science panel and 2019 AGU Centennial Career panel). I co-founded Hazards Equity Working Group (HEWG) as part of NH diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. I am on the Seismological Society of America Meetings, DEI, and ethics committees.

This leadership position is a liaison role; it aims to catalyze community and build AGU as envisioned by the strategic plan. How will you engage with other students and early career scientists to share, and solicit inputs to, important strategic discussions and actions being undertaken by the Council? Relating to AGU’s strategic plan, what features of the plan do you think are most exciting for the student and early career communities to engage with and advance?

I think there are many opportunities for AGU within the strategic plan, but specifically towards the goal of promoting and exemplifying an inclusive scientific culture. This could look like fostering a more holistic vision of the modern scientist — by providing management and leadership training, training in interpersonal skills for cross-cultural and cross-generational communication, training for collaborating with colleagues electronically. This is an opportunity to re-imagine the classic stereotype of a lone field geoscientist into a more realistic vision of science being a collaborative team effort involving people of different backgrounds at different career stages.

I want to help make AGU a better experience for all. To me that means more inclusive, and specifically less overwhelming for first-time attendees and students generally. I want more opportunities for students at AGU, specifically in terms of recognition and promotion. I think that there is an opportunity to expand the Outstanding Student Presentation Awards (OSPA) program so that more students get recognition and feedback. If chosen to serve on the AGU Council, I will use my voice to raise awareness about the student and early career issues my peers and I face and offer my candid perspective to the leadership conversation.

Section affiliations:

Natural Hazards; Science and Society; Seismology