Today, we celebrate the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science and recognise the talented women at Global Maritime whose expertise continues to strengthen and shape our industry.
This year, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on our Geoscience team whose technical insight, analytical expertise, and commitment play a vital role in delivering innovative solutions for offshore projects globally.
We invite you to meet the women whose scientific expertise and career journeys are driving our geoscience capability forward.
Michele Martins, Business Stream Director - Geoscience
What area of science do you work in, and what led you to choose a career in STEM?
I started my career in Geophysics, originally drawn by physics and maths. What truly made me love this path was learning how we can understand our planet through indirect physical measurements. Using signals, waves, and data to “see” what is happening beneath the surface fascinated me, and it still does today. This curiosity is what guided me into Geosciences and kept me in this field throughout my career.
What advice would you offer to girls and early‑career women pursuing careers in geoscience / STEM?
Working in energy is not always easy. The industry goes through many ups and downs, and every professional will face challenges, uncertainty, and moments of change. But even with all these challenges, there is always space for passionate scientists. If you truly enjoy science, problem‑solving, and understanding how the world works, this field will welcome you. My advice is: stay curious, stay open, and don’t give up when things get tough. Look for people who support your growth, and try to build a small community around you. And remember — passion carries you through difficult moments, and it also helps you stand out. Your enthusiasm and commitment can take you very far in geoscience and across the energy sector.
What is the most inspiring or rewarding part of working in geoscience / STEM for you?
For me, the best part of working in geoscience is the daily problem‑solving. Working through technical challenges, finding new solutions, and learning something new every day keeps the job exciting. Being part of an engaged, motivated team also makes a huge difference — it makes the day‑to‑day work rewarding. And honestly, geoscience people are (mostly!) very cool to work with. There is a special mix of curiosity, practicality, and humour in this field that I really enjoy. It creates a great environment where teamwork feels natural and everyone brings something unique.
What excites you most about the future of geoscience?
After spending 14 years working in oil and gas, I made a complete career change and moved my focus to the shallow, high‑resolution geoscience that supports the offshore wind industry — and what a great change it has been. This shift showed me how many new opportunities geoscience continues to create. Technologies are improving fast, data quality is getting better. There is so much room for innovation — and so much need for diverse talent.
Holly Cairns, Senior Geospatial Analyst - Geoscience
What area of science do you work in, and what led you to choose a career in STEM?
I’m a Geospatial Analyst with a background in geography. I’d known since I was a teenager that I wanted to pursue geography; I visited Mount Vesuvius when I was 13 and have been obsessed with earth sciences and geography ever since.
What advice would you offer to girls and early‑career women pursuing careers in geoscience / STEM?
Do not doubt yourself because of your gender or background. You deserve a seat at the table. All career paths are an option for you.
What is the most inspiring or rewarding part of working in geoscience / STEM for you?
On a large scale, knowing that I am contributing to a more sustainable planet. On a small scale, the time that I spend in schools and universities to increase visibility of women in STEM careers.
What excites you most about the future of geoscience?
The advancement of technologies that continue to allow us to understand the sub-seabed like never before.
Hannah Jukes, Geospatial Analyst/Developer - Geoscience
What area of science do you work in, and what led you to choose a career in STEM?
I work in geoscience and technology, specialising in geospatial analysis and the development of web applications to support offshore wind projects. Writing and publishing my master’s thesis on modelling a geothermal reservoir sparked my passion for subsurface data and how it can be used to support sustainable development. Exploring how we can better understand the Earth through data collection, analysis, and more recently through developing web tools that help to share insights, ultimately led me to pursue a career in STEM.
What advice would you offer to girls and early‑career women pursuing careers in geoscience / STEM?
Don’t be discouraged by a potential lack of role models in your chosen field. Instead, actively seek out people you admire and reach out for advice and support. Building those connections can be incredibly valuable when shaping your career path.
What is the most inspiring or rewarding part of working in geoscience / STEM for you?
Having worked across two renewable industries, I’ve been inspired by the many passionate, knowledgeable, and driven women I’ve met who are committed to supporting both my development and the growth of others.
The most rewarding part of working in STEM is the constant challenge and problem-solving, especially when it leads to tangible, real-world impact.
What excites you most about the future of geoscience?
What excites me most is the ongoing innovation driven by the global push towards renewable energy. As governments, companies, and countries invest more in building a greener future, new opportunities, exciting projects and advances in sustainable development continue to emerge.
Lauren Farnworth, Engineering Geologist - Geoscience
What area of science do you work in, and what led you to choose a career in STEM?
I work in the Geoscience department as an Engineering Geologist. I’ve always been interested in spending time outdoors, collecting rocks and fossils, and was inspired to choose a career in STEM after studying geology at A-level and a trip to Iceland; the earth is fascinating and I wanted to explore this passion further.
What advice would you offer to girls and early career women pursuing careers in geoscience / STEM?
There are many career avenues in geoscience, so don’t be afraid to try new things and to challenge yourself. Remember that the industry is small, so value the connections you have.
What is the most inspiring or rewarding part of working in geoscience / STEM for you?
Working in geoscience usually means that every project is different, you get opportunities to go on fieldtrips and to develop skills in other disciplines, the learning doesn’t stop at university.
What excites you most about the future of geoscience?
The incorporation of advanced technology into geosciences/ ground modelling. Geoscience is integral to the current exploitation of natural resources and the transition to renewable energy.
Emma Lee, Subsea Cables Engineering Lead - Geoscience
What area of science do you work in, and what led you to choose a career in STEM?
Geography was always a favourite subject of mine at school, so I chose to pursue this further at St. Andrew University. I was always encouraged to seek out work experience and after a few summers working with a subsea installation contractor, I knew I wanted to pursue a career as an offshore Geotechnical Engineer. I initially worked in the Oil & Gas industry before transitioning into Offshore Wind back in 2016. I now Lead the Subsea Cables Team within the Global Maritime Geoscience function.
What advice would you offer to girls and early‑career women pursuing careers in geoscience / STEM?
Geoscience is such a broad discipline so don't be afraid to try something new and take on any challenges that may present themselves to you. Remember, career paths are not always linear and who knows what may be around the corner!
What is the most inspiring or rewarding part of working in geoscience / STEM for you?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the people I work with. We work across many different office locations in many different countries and with that comes a huge amount of creativity and innovative working.
What excites you most about the future of geoscience?
Geoscience is often at the forefront of exciting and new technologies especially within the offshore Renewables industry. I am excited that the work we get to do at Global Maritime helps shape and define the future relationship we have with the Earth and the positive impact we may have on future generations to come.
Siew Fong Chen, Senior Geospatial Analyst - Geoscience
What area of science do you work in, and what led you to choose a career in STEM?
I’m a Landscape Ecologist specialising in spatial planning, using geospatial tools to guide sustainable land-use decisions and boost biodiversity. I transitioned to the thrilling realm of offshore wind as a Geospatial Analyst, where I apply these same principles to making engineering decisions. I’m passionate about ensuring a sustainable future, and my STEM career empowers me to contribute to environmental conservation and the transition to renewable energy.
What advice would you offer to girls and early‑career women pursuing careers in geoscience / STEM?
Don’t shy away from challenges; tackle them head-on and stay curious.
What is the most inspiring or rewarding part of working in geoscience / STEM for you?
The seabed is one of Earth’s last unexplored frontiers, and I have the opportunity to learn continuously through my work. Each day presents new insights and challenges, making my work deeply rewarding.
What excites you most about the future of geoscience?
I’m part of a project using cutting-edge Ultra-High Resolution 3D seismic surveys. The insights we are gaining are unprecedented, and I look forward to the advancements this will bring to the field of geoscience.
Selina Kaur, Engineering Geologist - Geoscience
What area of science do you work in, and what led you to choose a career in STEM?
I work in Engineering Geology. A career in STEM is so rewarding, as it involves curiosity, creativity, and can have real-world impact, which brings such a sense of achievement. The STEM fields are ever evolving with new research and discoveries, which ensures it remains a super exciting place to be!
What advice would you offer to girls and early‑career women pursuing careers in geoscience / STEM?
Do it! There are so many paths to follow within geoscience, all of them down a mega interesting road, that will just continue to open more opportunities, the more you learn and progress.
What is the most inspiring or rewarding part of working in geoscience / STEM for you?
Being part of a global movement towards sustainable, renewable clean energy, and getting to work with a team of inspirational, like-minded cool people.
What excites you most about the future of geoscience?
New ways of acquiring and interpreting high quality data, to get more and more detail about our wonderful planet, which will lead to new innovative engineering solutions, helping solve the issues our current generation are facing, leading to a brighter future!