Caitlin D. Now, candidate for the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, who is studying at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, is opening up his own STEM Road. Specifically, she is studying the Antarctic ice sheet to determine how the sonication under its ice shelf or the shape of the seabed affects the flow of ice from land to ocean. Rock was also held in Lamont last fall. One of the organizers of the Study Arts event, which included her winning video submission “Venable”.
In this Q&A, Locke discusses the female scientist showing her possible things while guiding how important it may be when navigating maternity and later career stages.
How did you get into science?
My parents are both doctors and science majors in college, so I have been exposed to it since I was a child. They are always passionate about helping me with science projects, bringing me and my siblings to the Science Museum and teaching us about the science around us.
Did women from science, Colombia or otherwise inspire you?
The first woman who inspired me was definitely my mom, a retired physician and high school chemistry teacher. She has shown me since she was a child that women have a place in science and medicine.
As an undergraduate at Columbia University, I am lucky to have many female professors and tutors, Maya Tolstoy, Meredith Nettles and Heather Savage (Heather Savage), they showed me my passion for geology and geophysics turned into a career. Currently, my PhD consultant Kirsty Tinto and my former director, Robin Bell, have inspired me to continue pursuing Cryosphere Sciences.
“As a mother of two, I also think that targeted support and guidance during this life-changing time will benefit women’s careers, her science and the institutions they work for.”
How do we continue to support and guide female scientists?
At every stage of a female scientific career, we need to provide targeted support from the institution they are in, as well as guidance from other female scientists who are in the late stages of their education or career. During early education, support and guidance for women is highly valued, but less as they develop in education and careers. This can improve, especially for postdoctoral and pre-statement positions for women. As a mother of two, I also believe that targeted support and guidance during this life-changing period will benefit women’s careers, her science and the institutions they work for.
Do you have any advice for young women or girls interested in entering the field?
Pursuing your interests will make you happy!
