Stories from Mums working in geosciences
Creating space for mothers working in geosciences to connect, reflect, and feel seen.
Welcome to Mums in Geosciences
This Project Is For
- Geoscientists planning to become parents and seeking honest perspectives on what to expect.
- Geoscientists with young children who are balancing career aspirations with family life.
- Experienced professionals whose children are older and who wish to reflect on and share their journey.
- Mums who left the profession, to share the reasons they left and what paths they pursued next.
- Dads in geosciences who feel that parenting has significantly impacted their career and want to share their experiences.
Why this Project?
Being a mum, or planning to become one, while working in a field-intensive profession like geoscience can feel daunting. Many of us face these challenges in isolation, with little visibility or open discussion about the impact on our careers and lives.
At Mums in Geosciences, we believe that we can find comfort and strengthin each other's stories.
This project aims to create a supportive, visible, and empowering platform that highlights the voices and experiences of mothers in geoscience—so we can feel seen, heard, and connected.
You're not alone—we're stronger when we share!
Our Aims
Share Your Story
Your experience matters. Whether you're navigating fieldwork with a newborn, returning from maternity leave, or reflecting on a career shaped by motherhood — we want to hear from you.
* This questionnaire works with a Google account. If you do not have one, email us at mumsingeosciences@gmail.com to receive a PDF version.
Testimonies
Constanza Jara
Mother of two (infant and preschooler)Barrick Exploration Manager Dominican Republic and Jamaica
I wanted to become a geologist ever since I was in Primary School, for I loved the outdoors and did not want an office job. I found Earth Sciences fascinating …
Read storyEmilie
Mother of two (pre-teens)Database Geologist
I changed from exploration geologist fifo in campaign style (2 weeks on site and 1 week at the office) to Database administrator 4 years after having kids. I got the right opportunity…
Read storySarah Gain
Mother of One (Infant)Senior Mineralogist
I chose geoscience because of my interest in rocks and the natural environment. I've worked in universities, state government and now industry. It might be a little early to comment on if motherhood has…
Read storyLaura
Mother of TwoResearch Fellow
I decided to study geology because I really enjoyed it in high school. Once at university, I had the opportunity to do my first internship on a gold exploration project, doing soil sampling in French Guiana…
Read storyAdvice from Mums
Believe in yourselves, you CAN be a field geologist and a mother if you want to. Talk about it with your partner, if you have, or with your support circle, so you're all in the same page and work together. There's no shame on asking for help on anything. If you're confident, plan together with the company too, there's no bad in discussing this at work so you can all plan for your time off and when you return. Try to learn the skills on the way that will help you to find a balance, such as time-management. As a working mother anyway you'll have to prioritize. And if you don't want to do any of this and change your mind and be full time with your family, that's OK too! In the end, just be honest with yourself and with the people you care around you.
— Constanza Jara
Get an office based job before it happens and never trust mining companies when you tell them you are pregnant (save every email, communications and know your rights), some could still try to make you redundant instead of trying to accommodate if they can justify.
— Emilie
Anticipate by getting a job that is flexible.
— Laura
Testimonies Graph
Charts are automatically updated with the latest survey data. Last updated: 8 April 2026
Community Hub
Find a Meetup!
Join our playgroups and connect with other mums and children in geosciences. (Coming soon)
Join the Community Chat
Share experiences, ask questions, and support each other through our private WhatsApp chat space. (Coming soon)