On February 11, some of Mewbourne College’s amazing alumnae, faculty and students helped us celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Karelia La Marca, Ph.D.
Student, School of Geosciences
I am a #WomanInScience. I am a geoscientist and a proud Latina (Venezuela) working towards her Ph.D. in Geophysics. I use machine learning techniques with seismic attributes and do reservoir characterization to better understand the seismic geomorphology and facies in the subsurface for energy purposes.
Women’s voices in science are essential because we are in a world that needs everyone’s perspectives and contributions. We all deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and credibility. I hope the next generation of women scientists believes that they can achieve everything they want. Because I am sure, they can!
School of Geosciences
Let’s make sure everyone is clear – women in STEM is not a new thing at the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy. The School of Geosciences was among the first to host geological field trips for female students. This picture is from 1955, courtesy of OU alumnus Otto Knight.
Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes
Alumna, Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
Co-founder and President of Black Mountain Metals
I am a #WomanInScience. Statistics have proven that having more diverse teams leads to better outcomes – we need more women in STEM, working to tackle the world’s largest challenges.
Micaela Langevin
Integrated Core Characterization Center Lab Manager, Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
I am a #WomanInScience researching unconventional reservoirs in Petroleum Engineering. Diverse women in STEM are necessary because representation matters and inspires.
Lindsey McCarty
Alumna, Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
I am a #womaninscience. I hope the next generation of women scientists knows that there is both a place and a need for women in STEM fields.
Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
Women have been making their mark at the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering for decades. OU’s 22 female petroleum engineering students were featured in a 1976 OU publication. Many have gone on to become industry and academic leaders!
Diana Salazar-Florez
Graduate Student, School of Geosciences
I am a #WomanInScience. I am researching the application of seismic attributes and machine learning techniques for the identification and visualization enhancement of faults and fractures in the subsurface, and that are key in reservoir characterization, either for the oil and gas industry or for projects related to geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage. #MujeresEnGeosciecias
Megan Elwood Madden, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Geosciences
Robert & Doris Klabzuba Chair
Stubbeman-Drace Presidential Professor of Geosciences
Director, Center for Faculty Excellence
I am a #WomanInScience. My students and I study how brines (water + salts) react with rocks in order to learn more about the history of water on Mars. These experiments also help discover new ways to sequester CO2 and store hydrogen in rocks on Earth to make our energy systems more sustainable.
Emily Jackson
Ph.D. Student, School of Geosciences
I am a #WomanInScience trying to better understand the geology and geophysics of the subsurface through seismic data and machine learning. I am inspired when I see other women in STEM and hope to be a leader to the next generation of female scientists!
Alicia Bonar
Ph.D. Student, School of Geosciences
I am a #WomanInScience. My work is centered around questions related to dust during Earth’s icehouse climates: how is dust preserved in the rock record, and how does dust impact carbon cycling in marine ecosystems? This research has led me to other climate-based projects, and I am now part of a team that is working to address the current climate crisis while simultaneously improving the quality of agricultural soils. A word to the next generation of women scientists: you are capable, you are essential, and you will do great things.
Caitlin Hodges, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Geosciences
I am a #WomaninScience researching how reactions in the critical zone control the cycling of carbon and nutrients in soils. It is critical to support women and scientists from underrepresented backgrounds so that the next generation of scientists enters a diverse and inclusive field where all feel welcome and able to succeed.
Molly L. Yunker, Ph.D.
Education & Outreach Coordinator, Oklahoma Geological Survey
I am a #WomanInScience. I work to engage people of all ages in the Geosciences. I hope that the next generation of women scientists understand that it’s okay to not have all the answers… Just keep asking questions and look for those around you who will take time to listen!
Heather Bedle, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Geosciences
I am a #WomanInScience working to unlock the Earth’s history by imaging rocks buried miles beneath our feet. These images reveal patterns that provide clues about tectonic and sedimentary processes that happened millions of years ago, and also help us understand how the Earth systems continue to work today.
Laura Ortiz Sanguino
Graduate Student, School of Geosciences
I am a #WomanInScience and I am working on reservoir characterization in a field at the Permian Basin. I am a true believer that women are capable of achieving wonderful things in science and I am confident that future generations will break the limits!
Shannon Dulin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Geosciences
Director, Bartell Field Camp
I am a #WomanInScience. I hope that the next generation of women understands that it takes all of us to understand how the Earth works; we need more #WomenInScience!
Karen Ochie
Graduate Student, Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
President of SPE OU Student Chapter
I am a #WomanInScience. I hope the next generation of women scientists understands and believes that women’s voices in science is important.
Laura Osorio
Graduate Student, Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
Secretary of SPWLA OU Student Chapter
Community Chair of SPE OU Student Chapter
I am a #WomenInScience. I research multiphase flow for the oil and gas energy industry at the Well Construction Technology Center. I encourage women to not fear failure and pursue their dreams.
Shawn Simmons, Ph.D.
Environmental & Regulatory Manager, ExxonMobil
Mewbourne College Board of Visitors member
Alumna, Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
I am a #WomanInScience. I inspire and motivate the next generation of women in STEM to realize new possibilities by creating an environment of flexibility, respect, and appreciation for differences that promotes innovation, unlocks hidden potential, and exceeds expectations.
Patience Ojoboh
Patience Ojoboh, is a graduate student from Nigeria at the School of Geosciences and co-publicity chair for the OU Society of Petroleum Engineers
I am a #WomanInScience studying increased levels of seismicity in the basement rocks of Oklahoma. I hope the next generation of women scientists believe in themselves without a thread of doubt about how powerful and authentic they are.
Lynn Soreghan
Director, School of Geosciences
I am a #WomanInScience. As Director of Geosciences at OU, I am working with vibrant colleagues here to make our School a top choice for an inclusive, broad-ranging educational experience for our students. As a researcher, I am working on topics related to paleoclimate, glaciation, dust, weathering, and carbon cycling. I hope the next generation of women scientists feels empowered to utilize geosciences to help forge a sustainable future for the biosphere.
Bren Cable
Graduate Student, School of Geosciences
I am a #WomanInScience. I conduct sediment research by shooting mud with a laser and in turn, it shows me how to read time.