Celebrating Women Leaders at Scripps Oceanography

As March marks the start of Women’s History Month, Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego reflects on the accomplishments and contributions of women in geosciences, at sea, in leadership, and throughout the history of Scripps.   

Scripps Oceanography has many influential women leaders who are inspiring future trailblazers in earth and ocean science. The institution was founded in 1903 using crucial support from philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, a strong advocate for women’s rights, and her brother, the newspaper magnate E.W. Scripps. Since then, Scripps Oceanography has continued to increase its female representation on campus, including the first female Director Margaret Leinen; Department Chair Sarah Gille and Vice Chair Lihini Aluwihare who provide leadership for Scripps’ educational programs; and the many brilliant women serving as faculty, staff, students, and researchers. Scripps alumnae also include history-making women such as Jessica Meir, a NASA astronaut who was part of the first all-female space walk; Megan McArthur, pilot of the NASA SpaceX Crew-2 mission to the International Space Station in 2021; Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences; Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist and policy expert who co-founded The All We Can Save Project in an effort to build climate community; and Kim Cobb, a climate scientist who was recently appointed to President Biden’s Intelligence Advisory Board.

UC San Diego is also celebrating achievements of women in our communities this month through “Women’s Herstory Month” events. The theme this year is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” which recognizes "women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news, and social media." Visit https://women.ucsd.edu/ to learn more.   

While we honor those who identify as women this month, Scripps Oceanography also acknowledges additional work that must be done to ensure equity at Scripps. A recent report on space allocation identified gender inequities in research space allocation, particularly at the full professor and researcher levels. In response, the university is updating policies to be more equitable and transparent. The group Women and Minorities in Science (WMIS) at Scripps also works to build a more equitable and inclusive campus through community-building events, including a seminar series, working groups, and other activities open to all.  

In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we asked several women leaders at Scripps what this month means to them, advice they have for women looking to pursue a similar career path and more. Learn more about these inspiring women trailblazers below.

Carlene Burton, Data Research Analyst II

What is your role at Scripps Oceanography?

I am a Data Research Analyst II. This title allows me to understand the parameters using collaboration theories, focus groups, and surveys/questionnaires, to support institutional leaders and non-leaders in creating and implementing anti-racist policies within their workplaces.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

As a woman of color, Women's History Month means we all have thirty-one opportunities to do three things. First, highlight the achievements of women past and present whose legacy we continue to build on. Second, inform the TikTok generation of inventors like Dr. Shirley Jackson, whose caller ID technology helps me block spam or unwanted calls from my past life. Third, remind the world that the maternal mortality rates of Black pregnant women are increasing and to ask "Why" and "What are the solutions?"

Is there one female role model who inspires you in what you do?

Easily, Keiara Auzenne, the Director of Diversity Initiatives at Scripps. Without asking, I anointed her as my DEI mentor, and she has not scoffed at the title! She was integral in my orientation process at Scripps and continues to be a source of strength when the headlines threaten the DEI conversations and actions.

What are you most proud of doing so far in your career?

I am proud that I published a paper successfully, "Strategies for and Barriers to Collaboratively Developing Anti-Racist Policies and Resources as Described by Geoscientists of Color Participating in the Unlearning Racism in Geoscience (URGE) Program." This paper was a culmination of a year's worth of data collection. However, I could not have done this without the support of Dr. Vashan Wright and Keiara Auzenne, who allowed me the space to work unrestricted. 

What advice would you give to women looking to pursue a similar career path?

My path is unique, so instead of offering advice, I encourage all women to ask themselves: "How do I want to be remembered?" The responses to that question will provide purpose and intentionality to their actions. When I asked myself that question ages ago, I looked at the idea of manifesting my needs, and I have no regrets.

Hanna Choe, Finance Manager for the Integrative Oceanography Division

What is your role at Scripps Oceanography?

I am the Finance Manager for the Integrative Oceanography Division. I help oversee our contracts, grants, and gifts in coordination with our amazing fiscal team. I also help manage our departmental funds and budget with Becky Uhl, who is my counterpart for Marine Biology Research Division/Center for Marine Biomedicine and Biotechnology and Anna Bryson, our Chief Administrative Officer.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

To me, Women's History Month means celebrating what women have overcome and achieved, and acknowledging the shoulders I stand on to have gotten where I am today. It also means recognizing that women are still not equal, and that our rights and our freedoms are very much under siege. Women's History Month is a time to reflect on how we can empower each other, and a time to remind the world that women's rights are human rights. In the immortal words of Lizzo, “If you feel like a girl, then you real like a girl. Do your thing, run the whole damn world!”

Is there one female role model who inspires you in what you do?

I have had the tremendous opportunity to work with and be mentored by incredible women, but perhaps my single greatest inspiration is my mother. She immigrated from South Korea in her early twenties, with a degree in engineering that the U.S. considered worthless. She started a small business and would continue to be a business owner even while raising three children and navigating her new life as a Korean-American. She has worked harder than anyone I know, and she is awe-inspiring beyond belief. 

What are you most proud of doing so far in your career?

I am proud to fill the shoes worn by Minerva Nelson, who recently retired from Scripps. They are very big shoes to fill, and I know I'll stumble along the way, but I am very honored to take on this role.

What advice would you give to women looking to pursue a similar career path?

I would advise women to trust their instincts, to prioritize their health, and to set boundaries.

Heather Galiher, Chief Mate & Relief Captain on R/V Roger Revelle

What is your role at Scripps Oceanography?

As Chief Officer aboard the research vessel Roger Revelle, I spend my days assisting the captain in ensuring the safety of the crew and scientists while we carry out unique science missions all over the world. My goal is also to efficiently maintain our ship so it can continue to be an integral part of how oceanographers learn about our oceans for many years to come. My favorite part of my position onboard is definitely the ship handling, picking up and deploying science equipment and bringing the ship alongside a dock. 

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

I enjoy taking this time to learn more about how women in the past have paved the way for my generation. Especially seagoing women! It's a time to remember that it hasn’t always been easy to break into traditionally male career paths, and celebrate how far we have come. It's also a good time to recognize our up-and-coming women seafarers who are lifting each other up and creating supportive networks to help each other thrive. I’m so impressed by them. 

Is there one female role model who inspires you in what you do?

Captain Lori Reinhart who was the first female officer I sailed with 22 years ago. As a young maritime cadet she was so inspiring. Without her guidance and example making it through my first hitch at sea would have been a struggle to say the least. 

What are you most proud of doing so far in your career?

Sailing as Captain this past year was a lifelong goal accomplished. Taking on that responsibility was challenging but rewarding. 

What advice would you give to women looking to pursue a similar career path?

Go for it! There will be obstacles, but a career at sea is worth the hard parts. If you love the idea of seeing the world and not sitting behind a desk then sailing could be a great fit for you.

Isabel Rivera-Collazo, Director of the Scripps Center for Marine Archaeology

What is your role at Scripps Oceanography?

I am the Director of the Scripps Center for Marine Archaeology and an Associate Professor in Earth Sciences. I have been at Scripps since 2016 and I focus on climate change, social vulnerability, geoarchaeology and our oceans.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

This month is a time when we can reflect on the impact women have had in sciences. There are many women who have worked so hard and have had so many important contributions over the years. However, women are still not as recognized as they should be. It is an opportunity to remember and highlight those that have gone before us and those that are continuing to do important work today. Women’s History Month highlights how far we have come over time but still how much work we have to do for women.

Is there one female role model who inspires you in what you do?

I have three role models. The first is my mom because she has this saying “I am me,” which is an invitation to think that we all deserve to be who we are. The second is Marisol Rodriguez, who is a Puerto Rican archaeologist. Marisol is one of the most brilliant people I know. She is committed to respecting who we are as Puerto Ricans. Her strong work ethic inspires me to be a better archaeologist. The third is Elvira Cuevas who is a biologist and human ecologist from the University of Puerto Rico. She is also the first Puerto Rican female to be included in the Latin America Academy of Sciences. She does so much to reconstruct our past and our landscapes.

What are you most proud of doing so far in your career?

I am most proud of my students. It is rewarding to see students come through my lab and achieve their goals, especially my Puerto Rican students. It is inspiring to see how the work that I have invested in is impacting and transforming the lives of others in a positive way. I am also very proud to be a woman who has her doctoral degree. 

What advice would you give to women looking to pursue a similar career path?

My first piece of advice would be to use your voice. You don’t have to listen to what others try to impose on you as a woman. You have to be brave and willing to ask for help when needed. Science in general can feel very isolating and so it is important to create a network of support that allows you to relax and decompress, especially your family. Overall, the most important thing is that you are happy and enjoying what you are doing.

Alaina Smith, Co-Director of Women and Minorities in Science

What is your role at Scripps Oceanography?

On paper, I am a sixth-year doctoral candidate in the biological oceanography program, a member of the Barton Lab, and a co-director of the Women and Minorities in Science group. Off the record, I am an R guru and a "Royalty" member of the TGIF (Thank Goodness It's Friday) group at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. 

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

To me, Women's History Month is sort of a bittersweet celebration of how far we have come and a reminder how far we still have to go. On the one hand, the representation of women in STEM and the strength of our support systems are greater than ever and continue to improve. This is a good time to slow down and appreciate some of the great, trailblazing women who put their foot down and said, "No, we deserve to be here and we are not leaving any time soon." On the other hand, as a privileged, cis, white woman living in a state that still protects my reproductive rights, it would be remiss of me to not bring to light the fear and stress both women of color and trans-women face every day in regards to their health and safety. Being a woman is just one facet of our identity and this won't truly be a time to celebrate until all women regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, are able to live their lives free from oppression and fear. 

Is there one female role model who inspires you in what you do?

I definitely can't narrow this down to one choice because my role models in life are 100 percent my friends. I have so many amazing women in my life that are constantly inspiring me and giving me hope for the future. From powerful businesswomen, lawyers, architects, and editors outside of Scripps to all of the amazing women I interact with at Scripps every day across all career levels who bring so much passion and energy into what they do. I know without each of them and their support, I would not be where I am today.

What are you most proud of doing so far in your career?

One of the things I am most proud of is joining WMIS. It truly started as a couple of graduate students sitting around a table and has since become a huge network! When we won an Inclusive Excellence Award in 2021 I was actually surprised and remember just being so proud that all of the hard work this group has done over the years had finally been recognized. We grew very quickly between 2020 and 2021 and had to have a lot of tough community conversations but my fellow members of WMIS took everything in stride. It was amazing to be a part of something where despite the pressures of grad school and the craziness of the pandemic, people were willing to put aside time just to make the community a more inclusive place.   

What advice would you give to women looking to pursue a similar career path?

Where do I begin? In short, here are my favorite mantras: 1) The worst they can say is no; 2) People hire people; 3) Always ask for a second opinion; and 4) Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. To answer the question in full, one of my biggest pieces of advice is to network, network, network. It's more important than you may think and it's never too early to start. This can be as simple as just reaching out to people and asking questions (i.e. your professors, your TAs, graduate students doing work you think is interesting, the author of a paper you like, mutual connections of LinkedIn, etc.). That can already open doors you didn't even know existed and help you figure out what you want or don't want before committing to anything. Finally, make sure you take the time to do things that bring you joy and connect you with the community because that's your true support system. It's so easy to make your whole identity "graduate student" but when I look back at my graduate school experiences, the brightest spots always included my friends and/or just simply connecting with people at Scripps and beyond as opposed to any single piece of work.