Women in geology
Encyclopedia
Women in geology concerns the history and contributions of women to the field of geology. There has been a long history of women in the field, but they have tended to be underrepresented. In the era before the eighteenth century science and geological science had not been as formalized as they would become later. Hence early geologists tended to be informal observers and collectors, whether they were male or female. Notable examples of this period include Hildegard of Bingen
who wrote works concerning stones and Barbara Uttman who supervised her husband's mining operations after his death. Mrs. Uttman was also a relative of Georg Agricola
. In addition to these names varied aristocratic women had scientific collections of rocks or minerals.
In the nineteenth century a new professional class of geologists emerged that included women. In this period the British tended to have far more women of significance to geology.
In 1977 the Association for Women Geoscientists
was formed to support women in this field as they remained underrepresented. There have been advances since then although retention remains a problem.
Hildegard of Bingen
Blessed Hildegard of Bingen , also known as Saint Hildegard, and Sibyl of the Rhine, was a German writer, composer, philosopher, Christian mystic, Benedictine abbess, visionary, and polymath. Elected a magistra by her fellow nuns in 1136, she founded the monasteries of Rupertsberg in 1150 and...
who wrote works concerning stones and Barbara Uttman who supervised her husband's mining operations after his death. Mrs. Uttman was also a relative of Georg Agricola
Georg Agricola
Georgius Agricola was a German scholar and scientist. Known as "the father of mineralogy", he was born at Glauchau in Saxony. His real name was Georg Pawer; Agricola is the Latinised version of his name, Pawer meaning "farmer"...
. In addition to these names varied aristocratic women had scientific collections of rocks or minerals.
In the nineteenth century a new professional class of geologists emerged that included women. In this period the British tended to have far more women of significance to geology.
In 1977 the Association for Women Geoscientists
Association for Women Geoscientists
The Association for Women Geoscientists is a professional organization which promotes the professional development of its members, provides geoscience outreach to girls, and encourages women to become geoscientists. Membership is open to all who support AWG's goals...
was formed to support women in this field as they remained underrepresented. There have been advances since then although retention remains a problem.
Female geologists
- Claudia AlexanderClaudia AlexanderClaudia J. Alexander, Ph.D., is an African American research scientist specializing in geophysics and planetary science. She has worked for the United States Geological Survey and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration...
-Notable member of the Association for Women Geoscientists - Florence BascomFlorence BascomFlorence Bascom was the first woman hired by the United States Geological Survey. She was of Huguenot and Basque ancestry....
-First woman hired by the United States Geological SurveyUnited States Geological SurveyThe United States Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The organization has four major science disciplines, concerning biology,...
. - Etheldred BenettEtheldred BenettEtheldred Benett was an early English geologist, the eldest daughter of Thomas Benett of Wiltshire and Catherine née Darell ; her brother, John , was a member of Parliament for Wiltshire and later South Wiltshire from 1819 to 1852...
-Early female geologist in Britain. - Robbie Gries-Former president of the American Association of Petroleum GeologistsAmerican Association of Petroleum GeologistsThe American Association of Petroleum Geologists is one of the world's largest professional geological societies with over 31,000 members as of 2007. The AAPG works to advance the science of geology , to promote technology, and to inspire high professional conduct...
. - Dorothy HillDorothy HillDorothy Hill, AC, CBE, FAA, FRS . She was an Australian geologist, the first female professor at an Australian university, and the first female president of the Australian Academy of Science.-Education:...
-Only female president of the Australian Academy of ScienceAustralian Academy of ScienceThe Australian Academy of Science was founded in 1954 by a group of distinguished Australians, including Australian Fellows of the Royal Society of London. The first president was Sir Mark Oliphant. The Academy is modelled after the Royal Society and operates under a Royal Charter; as such it is...
. - Mary Horner Lyell-Nineteenth century British geologist
- Sharon Mosher-Former President, Geological Society of AmericaGeological Society of AmericaThe Geological Society of America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of the geosciences. The society was founded in New York in 1888 by Alexander Winchell, John J. Stevenson, Charles H. Hitchcock, John R. Proctor and Edward Orton and has been headquartered at 3300 Penrose...
- Marie TharpMarie TharpMarie Tharp was a geologist and oceanographic cartographer who, along with her colleague Bruce Heezen, mapped the ocean floor including the Mid-Oceanic Ridges, a line of undersea mountains.-Biography:...
-A discoverer of the Mid-ocean ridgeMid-ocean ridgeA mid-ocean ridge is a general term for an underwater mountain system that consists of various mountain ranges , typically having a valley known as a rift running along its spine, formed by plate tectonics. This type of oceanic ridge is characteristic of what is known as an oceanic spreading... - Janet Vida WatsonJanet Vida WatsonProfessor Janet Vida Watson FRS FGS was a British geologist. She was the first woman to become president of the Geological Society of London.-Early life:...
- Lyell MedalLyell MedalThe Lyell Medal is a prestigious annual scientific medal given by the Geological Society of London, equal in status to the Murchison Medal, awarded on the basis of research to an Earth Scientist of exceptional quality...
, Bigsby MedalBigsby MedalThe Bigsby Medal is a medal of the Geological Society of London established by John Jeremiah Bigsby. It is awarded for the study of American geology and recipients must be under 45 years of age.-Bigsby Medalists:List of Medallists...
, and a past President of the Geological Society of LondonPresident of the Geological Society of LondonThe President of the Geological Society of London is the President of the Geological Society of London.- List of presidents :* 1807 - 1813 George Bellas Greenough* 1813 - 1815 Henry Grey Bennet* 1815 - 1816 William Blake* 1816 - 1818 John MacCulloch...
.http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/template.cfm?name=past_presidents