Abstract
GeoScienceWorld launched the GeoScienceWorld Diversity and Representation Award, a new annual scholarship program for graduate students in geosciences. The essay describes the awardee’s aspirations and visions in terms of equity and sustainability. It describes the ambition for awardee’s career and the impact she hopes to have on earth sciences.
In the heart of Pakistan, amidst the vibrant tapestry of cultural diversity and age-old traditions, my journey in the earth sciences began—a journey driven by curiosity, ambition, and a deep-seated desire to unravel the mysteries of our planet. As a young woman navigating the winding paths of academia, I soon realized that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, particularly in a domain where men have long dominated the landscape.
Growing up, my father, a civil engineer by profession, instilled in me the importance of perseverance and determination. He has been the greatest motivation for me to enter this field. When I decided to follow his path, he warned me of the hurdles I might face as a woman in the earth sciences, yet he encouraged me to pursue my passions relentlessly. With his unwavering support, I embarked on a journey that would take me far from the familiar streets of Pakistan to the bustling academic corridors of the United States.
It was a leap of faith, a bold step into the unknown, but it was also an opportunity to fulfill my dreams and make a tangible impact in the field of earth sciences. As I immersed myself in the realm of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), I discovered a powerful tool that held the key to unlocking a world of possibilities. With GIS as my compass, I set out to explore the intersection of earth sciences and social responsibility, seeking to harness its capabilities to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainability. This quest opened various doors for me, and I had the opportunity to contribute to some impactful projects while working with prestigious organizations like NASA and nonprofits like Ecoculture. As part of their capacity-building program NASA DEVELOP, I contributed to the water resource team that developed a machine learning algorithm to detect aquatic vegetation using NASA’s earth observations. It was a collaborative project where USGS and an energy-providing company were the stakeholders. In addition, with Ecoculture, I had the opportunity to develop a STEM education equity dashboard that showcased the information about the schools in Arizona that have access to STEM subjects.
My journey took a pivotal turn when I delved into the complex dynamics of phosphorus pollution—a silent threat lurking beneath the surface of our waterways. My research motivation lies in the stark reality of environmental injustice, where marginalized communities bore the brunt of pollution-related health issues. Determined to shed light on these disparities, I embark on interdisciplinary research to map animal feeding operations and assess their implications on public health in the context of equity and sustainability. By examining the spatial distribution of these operations and their implications for marginalized communities, I aim to pave the way for evidence-based policies and interventions that would promote equitable resource allocation and sustainable development.
Throughout my research endeavors, I feel blessed to have powerful role models and mentors to guide me throughout the process. This motivated me to give back to the community and play my part. With each word of encouragement, each piece of advice shared, I sought to empower women and minority groups to rise above the barriers that threatened to hold them back. Through mentorship initiatives and supportive communities, I endeavored to create a ripple effect of change, inspiring future generations of earth scientists to chart their own course, unbound by societal expectations. Whether mentoring young girls in my home country or supporting aspiring GIS professionals in the United States, I seek to empower individuals to overcome barriers and continue their journey toward success. Being a part of impactful organizations/societies like Women in GIS, Esri Young Professionals Network, and Earth Science Women’s Network, I determined to contribute and volunteer my services to train and inspire the next generation of earth scientists.
As I gaze into the horizon of my career, I envision a future where my aspirations transcend the confines of academia—a future where I establish a research laboratory that serves as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and social impact. Here, scientists from diverse backgrounds will come together, guided by principles of equity, sustainability, and social justice, to tackle the complex environmental challenges that lie ahead.
However, the journey toward equity and diversity in the earth sciences is not one that I can undertake alone. It requires a collective effort—a shared commitment across academia, policy, and society as a whole. Through advocacy, collaboration, and inclusivity, I hope to contribute to a future where the earth sciences reflect the rich diversity of our global community. Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world—for generations to come.
Conflicts of Interest
The author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.
The author was funded by GeoScienceWorld for being the recipient of the first annual GSW Diversity and Representation Award.
Acknowledgments
The author acknowledges GeoScienceWorld for awarding the Diversity and Representation Award.