Identity and Authenticity in Geoscience Workforce Culture

Hendratta Ali is a Professor of Geosciences with a doctorate in Geology and works in exploration geology, hydrology, and aqueous and stable isotope geochemistry. She established and now manages the exploration geology program at Fort Hays State University. Ali did a four-year rotation to serve as Program Director in the Division of Earth Sciences at the US National Science Foundation. Ali has experience in oil and gas sector as an environmental scientist pipeline construction, and exploration geophysicist conducting seismic interpretations. In addition to teaching and mentoring, her work involves outdoor fieldwork, laboratory research, and international projects. Ali also has experience working in equity to improve workplace climate in the geosciences, through the ADVANCEDGEO Partnerships program and professional organizations. She has received several accolades including the President’s Distinguished Scholar award, Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor award, Outstanding Graduate Advisor award, Transfer Student award, and Writing mentor at her university, the AAPG Inspirational Geoscience Educator award, the SEG Outstanding Educator Award, Rising Star award from Oklahoma State University College of Arts and Sciences, Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Geological Society of America’s Bromery Award, the Presidential Citation from the American Geophysical Union, the President’s award from the Association for Women Geoscientists and the Catalyst award from the National Association of Black Geoscientists. Ali serves professional organizations, committees, and mentoring programs. She facilitates workshops, short courses, and provides continuing education trainings for working professionals in the environmental and energy sectors.