In 1967, my first year in college, I was a music major. By the spring semester, I admitted to myself that I was probably not going to be a professional musician, as I had very litte patience, imagination or musical talent. So, in looking around for something else, I found an introductory geology course. I took that, and then another, and another... I was hooked.

The requried physics, math and chemistry were daunting at times, but the professors seemed to understand that the geology majors were there because we had to be, not because we intended to become nuclear physicists. So they passed us. (Also they never wanted to see us again).

My first jobs in geology were two simultaneous half-time positions, one with an engineering geology firm and one as a curatorial assistant at the Academy in the fall of 1973. I have maintained both of these jobs over the years and have found the spectrum of geological responsibilities interesting and challenging.

Geology is traditionally a man's field, and I have encountered some people who have been reluctant to work with a woman, particularly outdoors. To counter this attitude, I have always tried to act in a professional manner and know what I am doing (not always possible). I do not participate in women-only organizations or meetings, but try to work with other geologists and scientists as equals.

At present, my full-time position at the Academy of Sciences is as Senior Collection Manager for the geology collections. I am responsible for the paleontology, mineral, gem and diatom collections and staff. I still work part-time for an engineering geology firm and am currently the acting county geologist for San Mateo County.

Ask-A-Geologist: United States Geological Survey

California Academy of Sciences: Invertebrate Zoology and Geology Department

Diatom Collection of the California Academy of Sciences

Geological Society of America

University of California Museum of Paleontology: Web Time Machine

The Virtual Earth

Return to the People, Places, and Things

Return to the Research Home Page of the California Academy of Sciences.

California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California