Elena Maters
University of Cambridge, UK
I am a first-generation scientist of mixed heritage and citizenship and feel incredibly privileged to have lived in various countries, including for study and work over the last ten years. Nevertheless, there have been occasions when I was strongly reminded that I was an ‘outsider’ in language, culture or appearance, which at times in Belgium and France reverberated into my confidence and comfort in continuing to pursue research abroad. Luckily, having English as a native language often made it easier for me to build a support network and open doors to new opportunities, but I have seen hard-working peers from different backgrounds who have not been so fortunate. While change in the wider world might take time, through the EAG-DEI Committee I strive to eliminate barriers to anyone feeling a welcomed part of the geoscience community, pushing for greater equity and inclusion so that we all can be free to successfully follow and share our passion for our subjects.