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 strength in 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
My career began as an exploration geologist in Western Sahara. After moving to Australia, I spent five years working in remote parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory…
Read storySarah
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 storyCharlotte
Mother of one (toddler)Senior Resource Geologist
I was a Senior exploration geologist before having children, doing 2/2 roster (2 weeks on site/ 2 weeks home). I knew that I had to change my role, being able to work from the office if I wanted some kids…
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 storyAnonymous
Mum of One (Infant)Specialist Geologist
I was fortunate to transition into an office-based role to improve my technical skills after five years of field work, which I loved (and miss)…
Read storyMaria João Batista
Mother of two (Adults)Exploration Geochemistry
I chose geosciencies because I though it was an exciting career not thinking much about the future and children. Everything occurred without much planning…
Read storyAnonymous
Mother of one (Infant)Senior Geologist in the mining industry
I got into the mining industry after a PhD and a postdoc for both the love of the work and the job security…
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 sam…
— Constanza Jara
If I could offer one piece of advice to women working in the resources industry, it would be to think about flexibility before you actually need it. Career plans can change quickly…
— Emilie
Try to find a supportive employer and team, plus a good network of friends.
— Sarah
Think of another possible job in the office if you are FIFO before having kids. And think of what skills you need to improve for that move. It takes years to build a career toward…
— Charlotte
I think it would be best to anticipate few years in advance by getting a more flexible position. Although that implies a significant changes in career path sometime. It worked well…
— Laura
Reflecting on my experience, my advice to parents preparing to return to work is to be as informed and proactive as possible. Connect with colleagues who have recently returned fro…
— Anonymous
Do not think too much :)
— Maria João Batista
Based on my experience, take the risk. We worry and plan when things can change that are beyond our control. Having a family is wonderful, do it and make the changes you need to fi…
— Anonymous
Set yourself up in your career to adapt.
— Tori
Testimonies Graph
Charts are automatically updated with the latest survey data. Last updated: 15 July 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)