As Women’s History Month unfolds, week two shines a spotlight on Florence Bascom (1862–1945), a forward-thinking geologist who cracked open the male-dominated world of science like a hammer on bedrock. Often hailed as America’s first female geologist, Bascom didn’t just study rocks, she shattered barriers, leaving a legacy that still resonates today.

Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Bascom was raised in a family that deeply valued education for everyone. She pursued multiple degrees, ultimately earning a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1893—becoming the first woman to do so at the institution and only the second woman in the U.S. to earn a Ph.D. in geology. At a time when women were expected to stay home, she was out in the field, examining rocks, studying landscapes, and uncovering the Earth’s secrets with determination and passion.

Her groundbreaking work focused on petrography—the study of rocks under a microscope. She specialized in the Appalachian Mountains, uncovering their geological history with precision. Her research didn’t just add to textbooks; it redefined them. In 1896, she became the first woman hired by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), proving her expertise in a field that barely acknowledged women’s presence.

As a professor at Bryn Mawr College, she mentored a generation of women geologists, building a pipeline of talent in a discipline that desperately needed diversity. What makes Bascom’s story so compelling for Women’s History Month is her quiet fortitude. In an era when women were rarely seen in labs or lecture halls, she mapped her own path, literally and figuratively.

As we honor Florence Bascom today, let’s not only appreciate the ground she broke but also recognize the path she paved for future generations. She didn’t just study the Earth—she redefined its story, one rock at a time. May we continue to salute the female geologists of today who, like Bascom, are shaping our understanding of the world and inspiring the next generation to dig even deeper. More about Florence Bascom can be found here: https://www.usgs.gov/media/videos/biography-florence-bascom