A Woman Revealing Seafloor Secrets: Experiences of a Marine Geologist during the Santorini Volcanic Crisis

This contribution integrates scientific leadership with personal experience to reflect on the opportunities and challenges faced by women in the geosciences. As a marine geologist, I have participated in more than 80 national and international oceanographic expeditions focused on submarine mapping and marine geohazard assessment. My research specializes in seafloor morphology and submarine volcanic environments, using high-resolution multibeam systems, autonomous underwater vehicles, and robotic technologies to investigate the submarine realm and reveal its hidden processes.

The presentation focuses on my leading role during the February 2025 Santorini volcanic crisis, when intensified tectono-magmatic activity northeast of the volcano required a rapid scientific response, interdisciplinary coordination, and decision-making under significant uncertainty. This experience highlights the importance of women’s representation in leadership positions during high-pressure scientific and societal contexts, where expertise, visibility, and trust are essential. My research on submarine volcanic systems affected by seismicity and deformation contributes directly to the evaluation of future eruption scenarios and hazard preparedness, illustrating how fundamental research can translate into tangible societal impact.

Within the framework of this session, I will share reflections on career progression in a fieldwork-intensive discipline, addressing challenges such as long-term participation in offshore expeditions, work-life balance, and structural barriers that can limit women’s access to leadership roles. I emphasize the essential role of mentoring, inclusive research environments, and institutional support in retaining and advancing women in marine and field-based geosciences. As an academic and educator, I am actively engaged in mentoring and strive to serve as a visible role model for young women considering careers in marine exploration and Earth sciences.

My scientific contributions are reflected in a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and active participation in international conferences. In 2025, I was awarded the Fisher Medal by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) in recognition of my work on submarine volcano morphology and tectonic structures. By sharing personal insights alongside scientific achievements, this contribution aims to foster dialogue, highlight best practices, and inspire greater participation of women in geoscience and in science more broadly.