I grew up in a doctor’s family, Caitlin D. RockInterest in science ignited from a young age. Now a doctoral degree in the Department of Earth Environmental Sciences, candidate for the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, studying polar geophysics at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, is forged her own path in STEM. Specifically, she studied the Antarctic ice sheets, Seawater measurements or seabed shapesUnder its ice shelf, it affects the flow of ice from land to sea. Rock was also one of the organizers of “.Research as an art“We featured her victory video submission at an event in Lamont this fall.respect. ”
In this Q&A, Locke discusses a female scientist who showed her how important mentorship is, navigating motherhood and subsequent career stages.
How did you get into science?
My parents were both doctors and university science majors, so I was exposed to it as a young child through them. They always helped with science projects, took me and my brother to the science museum and taught me about the science around us.
Is there a woman in Colombian science who inspired you?
The first woman in science that inspired me was my mother, a retired doctor and high school chemistry teacher. From an early age, she showed that women have a place of science and medicine.
As an undergraduate in Columbia, I was fortunate to have many female professors and mentors: Maya Tolstoy, Meredith Nettles and Heather Savage. Now, my PhD advisor, Kirsty Tint, and my former supervisor, Robin Bell, inspires me to continue pursuing my interest in Chrisfair science.
“As a mother to two young children, I believe that targeted support and guidance during this life-changing time will benefit women’s careers, their science, and the institutions they work.”
How can we support and guide female scientists?
Throughout each stage of a woman’s science career, we need to provide targeted support from the institutions they are in. While there is a focus on supporting and mentoring women during early education, it becomes less as education and career progresses. This could be improved, especially for women in postdoctoral and previous illness positions. As a mother to two young children, I also believe that targeted support and guidance during this life-changing time will benefit women’s careers, their science, and the institutions they work.
Do you have any advice for young women and girls who are interested in entering the field?
Pursue what will interest you and make you happy!
