Yvette Poudjom Djomani - #WomenInScience

Geophysicists are scientists who study the physical structure and behaviour of the earth. They study rocks, oceans, gravity, and magnetic and electrical fields to understand the earth's origins. Yvette Poudjom Djomani , is one of our senior Geophysicists, Treasurer of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (ASEG) , and a leader within our Gender Equity Network. We’ve asked her today, on International Woman’s Day to share her career so far.

‘I come from a mountainous area in Cameroon, Africa. Growing up, my parents used to take my siblings and I for bushwalks, and on trips exploring natural icons such as waterfalls and lakes. These experiences helped me develop a fascination with the outdoors and the world Mother Nature had for us. 

'My most liked school subjects were anything science based, especially earth systems, geology, maths and physics. I enjoyed the challenge and patterns they presented me. In high school I dreamt of becoming a medical doctor or a counsellor, but an incredibly good and eloquent science teacher really inspired me, so the lure of a career in Earth science ended up being too great. 

'I attended the University of Yaoundé I to undertake a Bachelor of Science where I had to choose between zoology, botanic or geology. Given my love for maths and physics, and my fascination for rocks and nature, the choice was quite easy – geology! I think back to when I made this choice, I was often told ‘it’s not for girls, you should pick zoology’. My love for earth science was too strong and I ended up graduating with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Geology and Geophysics. Completing this degree, gave me the opportunity to apply for and receive a scholarship from the Cameroonian government to pursue my studies in France at the  Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris . 

'There were four scholarship placements offered, and I was the only female candidate. This made me so proud of myself and what I had accomplished. I completed a Masters in Geophysics, obtaining my PhD on the processing and interpretation of gravity and magnetic data, and tectonic control of faults on intraplate volcanism in Africa. 

'My studies continued with post-doctoral research at the University of Leeds whilst working within Industry, when an opportunity come up for me to apply for a post doctorate at Macquarie University in Australia. I seized the offer with both hands and migrated to Australia on a three-year contract. Two decades later, and I am still here and have worked across academia, the private sector and now the Federal government. 

'I am now applying my science at Geoscience Australia ; a move I made in search of a better work life balance. I had young children when we moved to Canberra and needed a career that had flexible work arrangements whilst still working on projects that were challenging and fulfilling. That move was nearly five years ago!

'Geoscience Australia is an exciting place to work, where I can actively apply my knowledge in geophysics and Earth sciences to projects that will benefit Australia now and into the future. This is what makes the current project I am working on with the Offshore Energy Systems team so exciting. Collectively, we are working on the processing and interpretation of potential field data in the Deep-water Otway Basin. This work provides valuable information on the geometry and spatial extend of igneous rocks in the basin, which, outcomes pending, is expected to have a significant impact on updated petroleum systems modelling results. One of the pieces of data I am managing is the modelling of depth to basement of the basin which will give valuable information on the basin’s hydrocarbon prospectivity. 

'Beyond the direct work I do on these projects, I am passionate about helping people and giving back to my community. Gender equity is a particular interest of mine and an area where I am working to help open doors and hold them open for our future female scientists. This interest started when I decided to become a geoscientist and was working in a male dominated industry. There were times I had to lift myself up, show those watching, and myself, that I can achieve any goal I set my mind to irrespective of my gender or any other attribute.  

'To help continue advancing these conversations across the Earth sciences, I am the Chair of the Gender Equity Network at Geoscience Australia (GENGA). GENGA aims to influence cultural and organisational change towards the pursuit of gender equality and equity and extend that influence across Geoscience Australia’s wider community. GENGA is doing an excellent job of fostering positive organisational culture and we encourage diversity and inclusion to make sure that people are accepted for who they are. 

'Outside of the office, I am also the President of the African Australian Council ACT Inc., a peak body that advocates for the African community in the Canberra region. This not-for-profit organisation launched in 2021 with a vision to provide a unified voice for the African community. This role is my way of giving back, bringing the members together, listening to issues and finding solutions. It is also an exciting instrument for promoting our diversity, and to celebrate the beautiful and rich African culture as part of multicultural Australia.’

Wow, thank you Yvette, for sharing your wonderful career journey so far, the valuable work you are doing as a geophysicist, and as a community leader opening doors for the next generation of #WomenInScience.