From fieldwork on earth to studying the cosmos, planetary geologist and Mars geochemist Ruby Patterson gives us a sample of her journey in the geosciences.
Welcome to the first Meet the Inspiration RockWear blog post! This series will feature interviews with women and minorities sharing their experiences on their geoscience journey.
Today’s post is an interview with planetary geologist and Mars Geochemist at NASA, Ruby Patterson. Ruby is a passionate scientist who's not only cracking rocks, but also shattering stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of space explorers.
- What got you interested in the geosciences?
Answer: Skiing, backpacking, and kayaking with friends through the Pacific Northwest for years solidified my love of volcanic landscapes. When I moved to Texas and started community college at 22 years old, I had no idea what I wanted to study. I took a chance on a geology course, and it immediately hooked me.
- What is your specialization?
Answer: I specialize in Mars geochemistry but do quite a bit of fieldwork on Earth to better understand processes happening on the Moon and Mars.
- What did you like about this particular specialization that encouraged you to pursue it?
Answer: I had some cool opportunities to do undergraduate research in geochemistry labs, so I think that’s what ultimately shaped my direction. I probably could have been swayed to the geophysics side if I had more exposure to it earlier in my geology journey.
- How would you describe your job to someone that is not familiar with the geosciences?
Answer: I work in laboratories and go on long field trips to better understand the natural processes happening on the Moon and Mars. Then, I write about my findings and publish them for my friends and colleagues to read.
- What have been some of the highlights or most memorable moments of your geoscience journey?
Answer: The best thing I’ve ever done in my life was leading a research expedition to Iceland in partnership with NASA and the Icelandic Space Agency. It was also the scariest and most stressful thing I’ve ever done, but I think that’s what made it so special. I brought in all the funding myself, made the field plans, bought everyone’s supplies and travel arrangements, etc. Then, the field work itself was wild because we were sampling a subglacial volcano covered in rhyolitic glass. There was even an earthquake during one of our field days- in the rain! I made sure we visited several spas after the fieldwork was over because it was an incredibly physically strenuous campaign.
- Who are some of the people that inspire you?
Answer: I’m super inspired by my colleagues who are mothers. They do everything I do (and then some) while taking care of an entire family when they get home. I have so much respect for mothers on mission science teams!
- What challenges have you faced or continue to face in your journey that may be unique to women or minorities?
Answer: This doesn’t happen so much anymore now that I work at NASA, but I had a really hard time being taken seriously earlier in my career by people (mainly men) in more senior roles. I have long, blonde hair and usually wear brightly colored suits to conferences. Think ‘Elle Woods of Planetary Geology.’ Luckily times are changing and displays of femininity are more common in the sciences.
- How do you overcome these challenges?
Answer: I created a network of really cool women in the planetary geology world, and we all lean on each other during the hard times. We all attend the same conference each year, so it’s like a giant sorority meeting when we get together. Having a support system of other women geologists has been instrumental to my growth and success.
- What can the rest of us do to help increase the representation of women and minorities in the geosciences?
Answer: Keep amplifying our voices. And be excellent to each other.
Ruby Patterson is just one of the many women breaking barriers in the world of science. And just like her, you can wear your passion for science on your sleeve (or on your t-shirt!). Check out our latest design, the Lab Heroes t-shirt, inspired by her journey and, most importantly, her dedication to increasing representation of women in the geosciences.
Share her story and join us in celebrating the amazing accomplishments of women in STEM!