Read about how 12 Earth and space scientists found paths in academia, business, government, and nonprofits.
the career issue
Where the Wind Blows
Letting opportunities take you on paths unknown can get you to where you were meant to be.
Lucia Perez Diaz: Expressing Earth with Art
A geoscientist and illustrator finds artistic inspiration in plate tectonics and geodynamics.
Phoebe Lam: Embracing the Ocean’s Complexities
A generalist at heart, this geochemist is unraveling the mysteries of the ocean’s chemical cycling.
Stacey Hitchcock: From Fearing Storms to Seeking Them
This atmospheric scientist digs into the details of storms to help keep people safe.
Wendy Bohon: Quelling Fears and Sparking Geoscience Joy
This earthquake enthusiast and science communicator wants you to know that a “whole ecosystem” of scientific careers exists outside of academia.
Tanya Harrison: Roving on Mars
This planetary geologist has worked on nearly every Mars rover while connecting government, universities, the private sector, and the public.
Susanne Maciel: Marrying Mathematics and Geology
A geophysicist brings math down to Earth and reaches a rural audience.
Kate Mulvaney: Bringing Human Dimensions to Water Resources
From small coastal towns to international ocean treaties, this EPA scientist has helped integrate social science into how people study and protect natural water resources.
Jess Phoenix: Curiosity Unfettered
After leaving her Ph.D. program, this geologist leaned into saying yes when exciting new opportunities arose.