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Alex Hatem
Post-doctoral fellow, U.S. Geological Survey
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Look ahead. Envision yourself at and beyond the finish line.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I study the history of past earthquakes and use those data to build seismic hazard models.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I continue to pursue research in this field because of strong female mentorship and scholarship around me. My grandmother and mother pushed me to pursue scholarly activities, but to also remember to give back and help others. This is why I have chosen a more applied sub-discipline of Earth Sciences. In addition to my family, I have had amazing female mentorship in my field that has kept me going through the ups and downs of my career.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I don't intend to sound cocky, but I knew all of what I have achieved was possible, because I had watched others do it before me. I knew I was capable, and I knew the road would be tough, but I had seen people do this whole path and do it well.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
One of my favorite things to do is organize data and make figures. I am a graphical person, and it is so satisfying to make a map or a plot that summarizes a lot of data and makes a strong impact!
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Look ahead. Envision yourself at and beyond the finish line. The finish line is always moving forward, so keep setting small goals for yourself and you will be amazed at how and how well you knock down those small goals!
INSPO / FUN FACT
"Do or do not, there is no try." -Yoda