Transcript Career Opportunities in the Geosciences: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson Director and PI, Windows to the Universe Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like?

Career
Opportunities in
the Geosciences:
What’s a
Geoscience
Career Like?
by Roberta Johnson
Director and PI, Windows to the Universe
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Overview
• Geoscience Career Opportunities
–What are the geosciences?
–What can you do in a geoscience
career?
–What are these jobs like?
–What’s it like to be a geoscientist?
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
What is “Geoscience”?
• The study of:
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The solid Earth
The atmosphere
The ocean
Space and other planets
• Interactions among parts
of the Earth system
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Careers in Geoscience…
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Studying Rocks…
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Studying Air…
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Glaciologist
Studying Climate…
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Hydrologist, Oceanographer, Marine Geophysicist
Studying Ice…
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Atmospheric Scientist, Meteorologist, Atmospheric Chemist
Studying Water and the Ocean…
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Geologist, Geophysicist, Seismologist, Volcanologist,
Petrologist, Geochemist, Geodesist, Geomagnetist, Economic
Geologist, Engineering Geologist, Soil Scientist,
Geomorphologist
Climatologist, Paleoclimatologist
Studying Space…
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Planetary Scientist, Space Physicist, Solar Physicist
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
What’s it like to be a
Geoscientist?
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Email “Interviews” of Geoscientists* – asked them
to reply to the following questions:
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What was important to you, when you were in school?
Did you know early on that you wanted to be a scientist, or
did it occur to you later in life?
How did you become a scientist?
How do you manage to balance your work with other aspects
of your life?
Is there something unexpected or particularly interesting that
you’ve discovered, that you’d like to share?
What do you like most about your job?
What's the best thing about being a scientist?
How is the science you do important for society?
Anything else you’d like to share?
*This “mini-survey” focuses on geoscientists with PhDs.
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
What was important to you in
school?
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Clubs, church, orchestra,
choir, gymnastics,
cheerleading
Fitting in, doing well in
school
Boys, boys, boys…,
Girls --what else?
Friends and pets
Recreation, skiing,
skating, swimming,
horseback riding
Science and math!
• Earth science
• Reading, science
fiction, watching TV,
music, sewing, crafts,
• Being "in" with people
• Babysitting, mowing
lawns
• Astronomy, the Apollo
program, reaching the
Moon, atomic tests
• Not and math science!
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Did you know you wanted to be a
scientist in high school?
• Half of the female
geoscientists
interviewed here
didn’t think they’d be
a scientist when they
grew up
• Many thought they
might want to be a
veterinarian, though
• A few thought they
might be lawyers
• Most of the male
geoscientists thought
they would go into a
technical field
• As a doctor, chemist,
physicist, or engineer
• One thought he’d be
a lawyer
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Marriage and Family?
23 of the 27 scientists
are married or have
been married
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3 are a bit too young
to be married
15 of these 21
currently married
scientists are married
to scientists or
engineers
47 children in total
among us
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Number of Scientists
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Scientists and Children
10
8
6
4
2
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Number of Children
1 2 3 4 5
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
6
Balancing Work and Family
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It’s not easy! Challenging!
You need to prioritize, and realize you can’t do everything
Many speak of part-time work while children were young
Many speak of helpful husbands who really split housework,
cooking, child responsibilities, so wives could follow their interests
also
Many speak of getting other help in the home – nannies, sitters
Importance of exercise, physical fitness
Coaching sports
Volunteering in scouting, at church, at schools
Keeping a sense of humor, and remembering what’s important in
life
Realizing that the way everyone around you do things is not
necessarily the way you need to do them
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
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What do you like most about your
job?
Flexibility of the job – In many cases you can:
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define when and where you want to work
work part time
decide what you want to work on, and how
Sense of being your own boss, being a detective
Loving your job, and working with other people who do, too
Learning new things, and sharing them with others
Challenging, creative work
Good pay, good benefits (PhD scientists involved in this project make
somewhere between $90 and $200K/yr)
Travel –
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Field work – out to sea, into the field in exotic places around the world
like Antarctica, Greenland, jungles, mountains, volcanoes, the tropics,
down to the bottom of the ocean in Alvin, etc
Professional Meetings – all over the world
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Shirley Murillo
SOARS Alumna 1997-1999
Meteorologist and Hurricane Hunter
Hurricane Research Division, NOAA
Miami, Florida
• Decided to be a meteorologist in high
school – got an internship with NOAA
• “I thought that since I was a high
school student, the scientists would
give me busy-work, but they didn't.
They gave me actual data that had
been collected in a storm, and when I
finished my project they asked for my
opinion and conclusions on what the
data meant. They even used my
findings for some of their research! ”
• Masters degree from the University of
Hawai’i
• “I study winds inside of hurricanes,
which can reach speeds up 150 mph!
My job is to collect and analyze wind
data from satellites and aircraft that
monitor hurricanes.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Chris Castro
Assistant Professor
Department of Atmospheric Science
University of Arizona
• As a boy in Oklahoma, he liked to watch the
summer storms roll in from the west
“On a trip to Arizona as a teenager, the
monsoon rains just fascinated the hell out of
me”
• He thought he was going to be a lawyer, not a
scientist
• He received his PhD from Colorado State
University
“Don’t be afraid to take risks. Sometimes you’re
going to fail, but you’ll learn from your failures
and grow more than if you always take the safe
path. Your life may have more ups and downs.
but it will be more rewarding in the end. That’s
what defines successful people."
SOARS Alumnus (1996, 1997)
Photo© courtesy
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008;
UCAR
University of Arizona.
Waleska Rivera Rios
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Science Teacher
Ysleta High School
El Paso, Texas
Grew up in Carolina, Puerto Rico
She was good in science, but wanted to
be an environmental lawyer.
When she learned that she would need a
bachelor's degree to get into law school,
the obvious choice of major was
environmental science. "I didn't know
much about it; I thought it was solely
about protecting the environment."
Master's degree at the University of
Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
" Determination is the key to success. As
long as you make up your mind to do
something, from the depth of your heart, you
will reach that goal. You will do it. I make my
students write about their dreams, what they
want and where they want it, because once I
did that myself, every single thing I wrote
came true."
SOARS Alumna 1999-2000
Photo
courtesy
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008;
© UCAR
Waleska Rivera Rios.
Paula Coble
Chemical Oceanographer,
University of South Florida
• Associate Professor, College of
Marine Science
• Learned about oceanography in 6th
grade
• Started to study biology in college,
and then went into oceanography and
geology
• Loves going out to sea on her
research
“My specialty is the group of compounds
that give a yellow or brown color to
rivers. … My biggest discovery was
demonstrating that we could
distinguish between yellow substance
produced on land and in rivers, from
yellow substance produced in the
ocean. Now there are lots of people all
over the world using my method, but I
was the first!”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Vidal Salazar
Associate Scientist
Research Applications Lab
NCAR
Born in Northern Mexico, state of Durango.
Loves travel and culture - Italy, Mexico,
Indonesia, Thailand, United Arab
Emirates, and Saudi Arabia
Rock climber, racquetball, lift weights,
backpacking, and painter.
“I love my work, but I also love my private
life. I love talking about science while at
work. At home, I can't stop watching the
Simpsons and playing with my pets,
going to the gym, climbing etc. I love
science and outdoor activities just as
much.”
“I never thought I would end up working in
the USA, or traveling to remote places in
the world. I have millions of
adventures that I have had over the
years. All this thanks to my work in
science.
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Beth Holland
Atmospheric Chemist, National
Center for Atmospheric Research
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Director of the NCAR Biogeosciences
Initiative
• Skiing was really important to me (in
middle school). I loved alpine skiing
in the winter. My best friends today
are the girls that were on my ski team
in middle school.
• Studies the global nitrogen and
carbon cycles
“It takes a lot of work and thinking. I
have 2 daughters, one 10 and one
13. When they were little, it was
really hard to do everything. Lots of
things didn’t get done… My
daughters are great people, and my
husband has been a great help,
particularly when the girls got older.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Jackie Dixon
Volcanologist,
University of Miami, Florida
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Director of the Undergraduate Program
in Ecosystem Science and Policy
• In middle school – “boys, boys, boys,
gymnastics, boys. Science—are you
kidding?”
• Went into chemistry in college and had
research cruise in Hawaii where she
learned how fun doing science was!
• Works on the deep Earth water cycle has shown that most of the water gets
squeezed out of the oceanic crust as it
is subducted into the deep mantle
“I have fun at work. I have a life and time
for my family. I know that sharing
science with my husband keeps our
marriage healthy. We get to grow
together instead of growing apart. I get
to climb on erupting volcanoes—what
could be cooler than that?”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Jose Garcia
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NCAR
Software Engineer
From Venezuela
As a kid, loved animals, reading, and
learning about the environment.
Decided to become an engineer, so he
could make a good living.
Earned two Masters degrees – in
Computer Science and Applied
Mathematics – while working full time.
Now working on his PhD.
Loves mountain climbing, and has
climbed many of the highest peaks in the
Andes, Alps, and Rockies.
He plans his schedule very carefully, to
have time for family, work, and exercise.
“Being from Latin-America, I know how
hard it can be to believe in yourself …
When you look inside and you persevere,
opportunity presents itself and then you
can realize it was all worth it.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Rosaly Lopes
Planetary Geologist,
Jet Propulsion Lab, California
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Scientist on the Cassini mission to
Saturn
• Wanted to be an astronomer and
work for NASA since she was 5
“I had a pretty hard time in school. The
boys didn't seem to like
me and it was only much later that
I realized that it was because I got
better grades than they did.”
“The highlight of my career was the Galileo
mission. I studied the volcanoes on
Jupiter's volcanic moon Io and discovered
71 volcanoes that were not known to be
active. I was also a co-discoverer of very
high temperature volcanism on Io.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Eduardo
Araujo-Pradere
NOAA
Space Environment Center
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From Cuba
Always knew he wanted to be a
scientist (but originally, in medicine).
• Persevered and reached his dream to
be a scientist studying Space Weather.
“Family balance is important! I share my
work with my wife, and she shares hers
with me (she is an elementary teacher)”
• Important to dedicate time to physical
activities, friends and culture. A good
book is food for the mind, and a good
friend is invaluable.
• Developed the global standard for the
ionospheric storm prediction.
“Science brings together people from every
corner of the world, regardless of
political ideas, faith, economical level,
language, and race”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Maura Hagan
Space Physicist
National Center for Atmospheric
Research, Boulder, Colorado
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Senior Scientist and Section Head
Maura had no idea that she wanted to be
a scientist until a junior in college
• Started in math at college, then moved to
physics
• Had 3 children in graduate school!
• Worked part-time when children were
young
• Scientist husband shares work at home
and with the kids
• Specialty is the large-scale motions of the
upper atmosphere, their origins, why and
how they vary, and how they relate
around the world
“I like best the feelings associated with
discovering something that no one else
knows and sharing it with others that are
interested and excited about that work.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Claudia Alexander
Planetary Atmospheric Scientist,
Jet Propulsion Lab, California
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NASA Project Scientist for
Galileo and Rosetta Missions
• Liked clubs and orchestra, but
never thought she’d be a
scientist
• Engineering internship at NASA
after high school
• Importance of balance in life,
friends
“Many scientists are convinced that
the small moon of Jupiter,
Europa, which has an ocean
underneath its frozen surface,
has a potential environment for
life. … I am convinced that this
moon also has an environment
that might be conducive to life.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Kevin Petty
Scientific Program Manager
Weather Systems and Assessment Program
NCAR
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All soccer all the time when young
“I did not even think about being a
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Became a teacher after graduating
and developed interest in the
Earth/weather – went back to
graduate school and got MS/PhD.
Parents couldn’t pay for school, so got
scholarships, fellowships, teaching
assistantships, and took out loans
Balancing work and family is a real
challenge!
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scientist early in life.”
“All of the science I’m involved with is associated
with understanding and lessening the impacts
that weather has on transportation. Our efforts
lead directly to improvements in safety, mobility,
and efficiency, as they relate to our
transportation network.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Roberta Johnson
Space Physicist, National Center
for Atmospheric Research
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Scientist and Director of Education and
Outreach program
Never thought I’d be a scientist to begin
with, but was always good at math and
chemistry
Enjoys history, archaeology, arts,
gardening, sewing, etc
Never listened to those that said I
shouldn’t or couldn’t do something
because of my gender
Fell in love with geophysics at university
Enjoy travel to interesting places
associated with research
Study motions of the upper atmosphere of
Earth, and the influence of geomagnetic
storms and atmospheric tides
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
José Meitin
Meteorologist, Earth Observing Lab,
NCAR
• From Cuba
• Knew he wanted to be a
Meteorologist since the 9th grade,
after experiencing several
hurricanes
• Enjoys new challengesEVERYDAY!
• Has been able to work and travel
to many parts of the world
• His wife is also a meteorologist
and they have managed to raise 3
well-adjusted children to
adulthood (none are scientists)
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Mary Hudson
Space Plasma Physicist,
University of Dartmouth,
New Hampshire
• Chair, Physics and Astronomy
Department
• Was an avid amateur
astronomer and did two
science projects- in 8th grade
measuring the size of lunar
features, and in 9th grade
measuring the differential
rotational velocity of the sun
“I made up my mind early and
never gave up. I got some
wonderful encouragement
along the way, as well as
encountering those surprised
to see a woman pursuing
physics. I thank the people
who encouraged me early.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Ellen Kappel
Marine Geologist,
Geosciences Professional Services
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Geological Consultant
Always wanted to travel, and found
tons of geology-related travel
opportunities through school
• Thought she would be a physical
education teacher or a vet
• Stumbled onto geology in college, and
was hooked!
“I am very lucky to be working from home
right now, which is not a possibility with
some jobs. I run a small business
editing and designing geosciencerelated documents and web sites. … I
can put in a pretty good day’s work
while also being able to walk my kids
to school and coach my daughter’s
soccer team.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Jill Karsten
Marine Geologist, American Geophysical Union
• Pretty typical tomboy in middle school – liked
going to the beach with friends and playing
spies
• Got interested in oceanography and geology in
college, studied mid-ocean ridges in university
“Using your brain to work on interesting problems
located in interesting settings and being paid to
do it! People have actually paid my salary to go
to the top of an active volcano and to go to the
bottom of the ocean in a submersible. I’ve been
to islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and
I’ve had opportunities to visit numerous
countries for cruises and professional meetings.
… I even got married on the bow of a research
vessel that was leaving for a cruise from
Acapulco. There is NO job that competes!”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Janet Luhmann
Space Physicist
University of California
at Berkeley
• Instrument PI, NASA STEREO mission to image
the Sun in 3D
• Didn't listen to anyone who discouraged her from
studying things like physics
• Balance is the hardest thing – go for a permanent
position early on, if possible
• Worked on interpreting new observations from the
Pioneer Venus Orbiter mission- which was
responsible for most of what we know about
Venus' atmosphere today.
“If you have the fire, don't let anyone stop you from
pursuing a science career. Many of the best
scientists I have encountered in my career have
been part of the female minority. Their presence
makes a very distinct and special difference,
regardless of what personal life paths they
choose.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Marcia McNutt
Marine Geophysicist
Former President of the
American Geophysical Union
• President, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Research Institute
• Friends, pets, horseback riding, skiing,
and doing well in school were all
important to her in middle school
• Best known for the Superswell
concept – a region in the Pacific
Ocean encompassing all of French
Polynesia has experienced high rates
of midplate volcanism for more than
100 million yrs
“The oceans regulate our climate,
keeping Earth habitable. They are a
large source of food and raw
materials. But in many dimensions
they are virtually unexplored.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Pat Reiff
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Space Physicist
Rice University, Texas
Realized that she would never be able to
live on her beauty, so she’d better find
something fun and challenging to do with
her brains
Loved the outdoors and medicine, so
thought about vet medicine
Started in college as a math major, but
went into astronomy and physics
Balancing work and family isn’t easy –
mother (of three), researcher, teacher,
administrator, volunteer for scouts and in
church
Husband is a wonderful partner – shares
the cooking and shopping duties, does
most of the house straightening, and gets
the kids up for school when she’s out of
town, which is often
Studies why the aurora is what it is and
how the solar wind changes the earth’s
environment
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Mary Lou Zoback
Geophysicist,
US Geologic Survey
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Senior Research Scientist, USGS
Earthquake Hazards Team, Menlo Park,
CA
• Received the AGU’s Macelwane Award for
"significant contributions to the
geophysical sciences by a young scientist
of outstanding ability" and in 1995
• Elected to the National Academy of
Sciences
“I feel strongly that a valued woman (or man)
should be able to make choices about their
life and career, not having to abandon
child-rearing to pursue a successful career
(or vice versa). My personal compromise,
which has been supported by the USGS
and my husband, was to work only part
time after having kids… My husband is
very supportive, helps out alot around the
house, and most importantly adapts to my
part-time schedule when I have to travel.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Rolando Garcia
Senior Scientist,
Atmospheric Chemistry
NCAR
• His work is also his hobby. It's
great to get paid to do what you
love to do in the first place!
• Discovery - with Susan Solomon,
the first successful hypothesis
about why there is an ozone hole
in Antarctica.
“I am my own boss. And there's
something new to do every day,
so it's never boring. And did I
mention I like to get paid to
pursue my hobby?”
“I think the reason one does science
is because it is so much fun;
if it also turns out to be useful, so
much the better. (And, sooner or
later, most good science
does turn out to be useful).”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Beverly Hartline
Geophysicist, Argonne
National Laboratory, Illinois
• Managed the construction of a $500
million accelerator facility for doing
research on nuclear physics
• Ignored any teachers, guidance
counselors, and other adults who
said I couldn't become a scientist or
shouldn't take the advanced math
courses that would be required.
“Each of you is smart and has a lot of
ideas. Who knows which idea will be
the key one for the next major
advance in technology? Maybe
yours.
Also, if you want a career where you
are surrounded by intelligent men
and there is never a line at the
ladies room, then science is a great
option!”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Luisa Molina
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Executive Director for Integrated
Program on Urban, Regional and
Global Air Pollution
• Interested in literature and science in
school
• Worked part-time for a few years when
her son was growing up and did some
volunteer work at his schools
“My research interests include molecular
spectroscopy, chemical kinetics, and
atmospheric chemistry. More recently I
have been involved with environmental
problems, in particular with the
chemistry of stratospheric ozone
depletion and urban air pollution.”
“Science is fun. Scientific research can be
very rewarding. I strongly recommend
to you to pursue a career as a
scientist.”
Atmospheric Chemist,
Massachusetts
Institute of Technology
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Warren Washington
Senior Scientist
NCAR
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Liked science at a young age and
read a lot about famous scientists.
• Had a great chemistry teacher who
made science interesting.
• Took all the math and science he
could in school, and enjoyed them!
• Baseball, basketball, and track – ok,
but excelled in science.
• One of our countries leading scientists
studying global warming and climate
change.
• Has advised 6 US Presidents, and
was the Chair of the National Science
Board.
• Married, with 6 children and 16
grandchildren!
“Do something good with your life…
helping others and contributing to
society is a noble thing to do.”
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
What does it take?
• The people you’ve heard about all have
degrees in the geosciences:
– Finished high school with significant math and
science
– BS, MS, and PhD (usually a minimum of 8 yrs
past high school through PhD)
– Followed by post-docs, and positions in labs,
industry, or academia
• However, you don’t have to have a PhD to do
this exciting work
– BS and MS degrees will allow you to teach,
participate in research, work on teams in labs
and industry
– PhD = flexibility and independence
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR
Some words inspirational words…
Doing "cool" things is not out of reach. I never in my wildest
dreams, growing up in Queens, NY (and having a father
who would say things like “wait for your husband to pay
for it”), would I have thought that I would do field work in
the Alps, or spend nearly a year of my life on research vessels, dive in
Alvin... But, you need to make these opportunities happen. You cannot
sit back and expect opportunities to come to them. Ask people
questions, write letters, work hard at school. You never know who will
respond and offer you something cool to do. You make your own
opportunities. I remember years ago telling some senior scientist
how I lucked into all of these wonderful things I was doing. He looked
at me sharply and said, "No, Ellen, you make your own luck.“
The thing that I love the most of my job is that there is no limit on what we
scientist can achieve. Plus I get to ride on airplanes that go inside of
thunderstorms to study them! You can't beat that!
Don't be afraid of science, it might look scary with all those numbers
and equations, but it truly it is not, it all has a reason, you just
need to find that reason and everything will become so simple
that you will not believe it!
Careers in Geoscience: What’s a Geoscience Career Like? by Roberta Johnson, PI, Windows to the Universe; October 2008; © UCAR