Dr. Blackmer, a Pennsylvania Geological Survey geoscientist, reviewed the history of women in geoscience and urged students interested in the field to seek clubs, field events and internships where available.

Why it matters: Workforce composition and outreach shape who studies and practices geoscience. Blackmer said more women now enter the field but gaps remain, and she highlighted historical leaders whose work helped open doors.

Historical overview: Blackmer described Florence Bascom, who earned an early Ph.D. in geology at Johns Hopkins and "was the first woman to be hired by the USGS," and who later founded Bryn Mawr College’s geology department. She showed photographs of early field geologists in period dress and said she had used Bascom’s maps in her own work.

Workforce statistics and trends: Blackmer cited a report (data to February 2007) showing an upward trend in geoscience degrees at multiple levels and said that women now make up roughly 30% of environmental and geoscience jobs in some measures. She also noted that of 49 U.S. state geological surveys, 10 then had women state geologists; at the Pennsylvania Geological Survey she said women comprise about 60% of staff.

Career and engagement advice: In response to student questions, Blackmer recommended rock and mineral clubs, state-park events, and other hobbyist groups as entry points. She said the Pennsylvania Geological Survey maintains public data resources, but that the survey was not running a high-school internship at the time she spoke. "We have had that in the past, but I don't think we're running anything like that now," she said.

Licensure and training: Blackmer explained that geology and geoscience programs sometimes include courses needed for professional geologist licensing that environmental-science programs may not. She also encouraged students to look into courses such as mineralogy and structural geology if they aim to pursue professional licensure.

Less critical detail: Blackmer recounted personal anecdotes about early fascination with ocean-floor maps and said her role lets her turn geological stories into practical information for the public.