What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

During college I worked summers as an EKG technician in a hospital. I learned first to enjoy working with people, and the value of teamwork. Also, I enjoyed working in a laboratory, understanding instrumentation and how we can use these tools in scientific investigation.

What inspired you to choose your current field or the position you currently hold?

I turned to geology (from chemistry) because of my love for the outdoors, my curiosity about the beautiful things I was seeing around me, and the desire to learn more about the earth, its structure (mountain building, plate tectonics, ocean trenches, volcanoes and earthquakes, fossils and island arcs), and the nature of rocks and minerals. Rocks are composed of certain minerals, and these minerals form under certain conditions of temperature and pressure and in certain environments - all this related to my chemical background. Because of their mineralogical composition, rocks have certain unique spectral characteristics in the visible and infrared regions. These spectral characteristics enable the scientists to identify these rocks from space and airborne platforms.

Why would you encourage other women or young women and girls to choose careers in your field? What advice would you give someone who wanted to choose your career?

Anyone who enjoys being outdoors, and wonders about the nature of things would enjoy geology.

Geology, especially field work, is a lot of fun if you don't mind a little sweat, a few snakes and scorpions, occasional heat and cold. And geology is not confined to political boundaries. It is a global science. I have traveled to every continent (except Antarctica, so far) for geological field studies.

Geologists use the principals of chemistry and physics to study rocks and minerals as well as natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes. Geologists also use the principals of biology to study paleontology. It is important to get a firm background in chemistry, physics, biology and math for the understanding of the earth sciences.

What motivates or inspires you on a daily basis in your field or job?

Continually learning more about the nature of our planet, its resources, hazards, and what we must do to protect it's natural beauty is a daily source of inspiration to me. At the U.S.G.S., I am in daily contact with many of our scientists who are working all over the United States (and our foreign colleagues) and there is always something interesting happening.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?

Getting to know some far flung parts of the world, as only a geologist can -- for example visiting diamond mines in South Africa and Australia; checking out volcanoes in Italy, Hawaii, the Caribbean and the Canary Islands. Field work on Lake Bikal in Siberia, in western and southern Spain, the California deserts, and Rocky Mountains are incredibly interesting. But -- it's not just the rocks, it is all the people that you meet along the way that really make it wonderful.

I also had the honor to work in the White House Science Office (The Office of Science and Technology Policy) from 1992 to late 1996. The mix of policy and physical science every day was very exciting.

Why is your field or industry important to society?

The basis for study and mitigation of natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes rests on the study of geology. Non-renewable resources can only be explored through an understanding of the geology of ore deposits. Environmental studies are dependent on the physical environment; soils that are derived from the underlying rocks, the hydrological sphere, and learning how to use natural resources without harming the environment. Climate change studies need to include geological studies of the Earth's past climates, so we can better understand human impact.

What is your vision for your industry's or field's future? What are some of the exciting things to watch for in your field or industry?

Earth sciences will become more interdisciplinary as well as more applicable to environmental and climate change problems. The field of remote sensing is on the verge of exploding as many new kinds of satellites are launched that can be used for geological studies such as of desertification, flooding potential and volcanic hazards to aircraft safety (because of volcanic ash).

Another example is that geologists will work more closely with engineers and city planners to assure that buildings and other infrastructure are more resistant to earthquake hazards.

What values are the most important to you and what do you value in others? How do you prioritize these values in your daily life?

In this context, learning something new every day is very important -- and sharing that new information with others -- not only other scientists, but the public as well. Enthusiasm for one's work is an important value, and with that comes scientific integrity.

What do you think are the most important character traits to develop in order to succeed professionally?

Hard work and an open mind for new ideas are very important. It is also necessary to work in a positive way with others, and not be afraid of criticism that may come your way. A sense of adventure and certainly a sense of humor helps.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire and why?

There have been many heros and mentors -- teachers and professors rate very high in this one. At the White House Science Office, I was very lucky to have as my boss, Dr. M.R.C. Greenwood, who is now Chancellor of the University of California at Santa Cruz. Everyday was an exciting day -- new things to learn and many challenges to overcome. Nothing was ever impossible. There were at least 26 hours in every day and it was always fun, even when it was hard work.

What is your favorite book and why?

The "Volcano Lover" by Susan Sontag is an historical novel that beautifully portrays a certain time and place, Naples during the Napoleonic Wars, against a fabulously described natural background -- Vesuvius. The characters could not be more interesting. Lord and Lady Hamilton, and the great warrior, Lord Nelson. The geology as it was known during that period is accurate, and to me very interesting. Miss Sontag is a great writer.

What book would you recommend to someone who knows nothing about your field or industry but would like to know more about it?

The various books by John McPhee are quite good and easily read.

What technology has improved your life professionally or personally?

Space science and advanced mounted spectrometers has made a big difference in the pursuit of my career in remote sensing for geology. My first experiment was using a spectrometer on the Space Shuttle Columbia to determine how much we could learn about rocks and minerals down here on the earth. (My team worked at Mission Control in Houston -- now that was exciting!). Now LANDSAT-TM, Satellite Radar Imagery as well as Thermal Infrared satellites provide different kinds of data that we can use for our geological studies.

What are your future goals?

I am particularly interested in science policy especially as related to improving the public image of, and interest in, geology. I would like to use some of my scientific expertise in geological remote sensing to learn more about environmental problems and how they might be mitigated.

What do you do to relax?

Music, especially opera, choral and jazz are essential. The theatre is another good way to relax. I am still a hiker, and I sail, canoe, kayak snorkel, and occasionally ski, depending on my environment. Always enjoy reading good fiction. I have a wonderful family with whom to enjoy all these things -- a husband, also a geologist; three children and two grandchildren.