In celebration of Women’s History Month, NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) would like to recognize two female scientists from our Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division who are leaders aboard the A16N GO-SHIP (Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigations Program) Repeat Hydrography cruise. We spoke with these amazing scientists to learn more about their roles and ask what advice they would give to women entering the workforce.
Photo Credit: NOAA/AOML
Dr. Katelyn Schockman is a Postdoctoral Associate with the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS). As co-chief scientist of the A16N GO-SHIP Leg 1, Katelyn is responsible for leading the team of scientists along the cruise track to obtain high-quality oceanographic measurements. She is in charge of making decisions with respect to the day-to-day cruise operations, and also works closely with the ship’s officers and crew regarding logistics and equipment issues.
“My motto, as an early career woman in the field myself, is to “take up space”. We must remind ourselves that we belong in leadership roles, we have important ideas to contribute, and we deserve a spot at the decision-making level.”
– Dr. Katelyn Schockman, AOML/CIMAS scientist
Photo Credit: NOAA/AOML
Dr. Leticia Barbero is an Associate Scientist with the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS). Leticia is the chief scientist on Leg 2 of the A16N GO-SHIP cruise which will sail from Rota, Spain to Reykjavík, Iceland beginning April 6. Her role will be to oversee science operations, help the science team on board, coordinate with the ship’s command and in general, work towards ensuring that the scientific goals of the cruise are met. Plans might change due to weather or instrumental issues so it is the chief scientist’s role to decide next steps.
Leticia’s advice for women early in their career or seeking leadership roles:
“Don’t hold back on taking any opportunities that come your way, even if you don’t think you are fully ready for the role, because I’m sure you are more ready than you give yourself credit for.”