Hi! I am Fernanda Matos, an Oceanographer and autistic! Autism is considered a hidden disability, but it is not at all an easy disability. Unlike popular opinion, I am not like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, nor am I like my autistic peers. I am unique and part of a spectrum. When we talk about disability, we’re talking about conditions like autism, blindness, hearing impairment, or a mot ...[Read More]
During November, several important dates are recognised, including the International LGBTQIA+ in STEM Day on November 18. This month is also designated as Transgender Awareness Month, culminating in the recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance yesterday, November 20. In celebration of our LGBTQIA+ community, this blog highlights some of the activities we undertook throughout the last year. Be ...[Read More]
We cannot solve the world’s most complex problems, from climate change to curing disease, if scientists must leave parts of themselves at the laboratory door. This is a reality that we must acknowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The demand for conformity, the fear of judgment, and the reality of discrimination act as invisible barriers that can limit innovat ...[Read More]
The Earth and space sciences, like many STEM fields, have long been dominated by a narrow vision of who belongs. But the tide is turning. A 2023 workplace climate survey of Earth and space scientists highlights both the persistent barriers queer and other historically excluded scientists face and the urgent need for cultural shifts within the discipline. The data is clear: the geosciences must now ...[Read More]
Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL) is transforming the way STEM professionals engage with their communities. Despite the challenges faced by scientists like time constraints and uncertainty about how to get involved, ESAL tackles this with storytelling, educational resources, and actionable tools like their Local Engagement Checklist. This blog aims to inspire our community in Europe ...[Read More]
The General Assembly (GA) is not only for researchers but for teachers and educators with an interest in the geosciences also. Every year the Geosciences Information For Teachers (GIFT) is organised by the EGU Committee on Education to bring first class science closer to primary and high school teachers. If you are an educator attending this year’s edition of the GIFT workshop –the topic of which ...[Read More]
This month’s GeoEd post is brought to you by Dr. Mirjam S. Glessmer. Mirjam is a physical oceanographer turned instructional designer. She blogs about her “Adventures in Teaching and Oceanography” and tweets as @meermini. Get in touch if you are interested in talking about teaching and learning in the geosciences! Sometimes we look for new ways to engage our students or the general public in discu ...[Read More]