Grow in a family of doctors, Caitlin D. LockeThe interest in science was ignited from a young age. Now, as a doctorate. Candidate for the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Studying Polar Geophysics at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Locke forges its own path in the rod. More specifically, she is doing research on the Antarctic ice cap to determine how Bathymetry, or form of the seabedUnder its ice cream trays, influences the flow of the Earth’s ice to the ocean. Locke was also one of the organizers of “Art search“Event in Lamont last fall, which presented its winning video submission”, “Vestable. “”
In this Q&R, Locke discusses scientific women who showed him what was possible, as well as the importance of mentoring can be important when navigation of maternity and subsequent career stages.
How did you enter science?
My parents are both doctors and were majors in college sciences, so I was exposed to an early age through them. They have always been enthusiastic about helping me with scientific projects, taking me, me and my siblings, to scientific museums and to teach us the science around us.
Is there a woman in science, Columbia or other, who inspired you?
The first woman in science who inspired me was definitely my mother, who is a retired doctor and secondary school chemistry professor. She showed me from an early age that women have a place in science and medicine.
As a first cycle in Columbia, I was lucky to have many women teachers and mentors, namely Maya Tolstoy, Meredith Nettles and Heather Savage, who showed me that I could transform my passion for geology and career geophysics. Currently, my doctorate. Advisor, Kirsty Tinto, and my old supervisor, Robin BellInspire me to continue to continue my interests in the scientists of the cryosphere.
“As the mother of two young children, I also believe that supporting and mentoring targeted during this period which changed life would benefit the careers of women, their science and the institutions where they work.”
How can we continue to support and supervise scientific women?
Through each stage of the scientific career of a woman, we must provide targeted support from the institutions in which they are, as well as the mentoring of other scientists who are at subsequent stages of their education or their career. The emphasis is strongly placed on support and mentorship for women during their early education, but less than they advance in their education and their career. This could be improved, especially for the women of post-doctoral students and pre-tenuous positions. As a mother of two young children, I also believe that supporting and mentoring targeted during this period that changed life would benefit the careers of women, their science and the institutions where they work.
Do you have advice to young women or girls who wish to enter the field?
Continue what interests you and makes you happy!