Anita Marshall facts for kids

Anita Marshall is an American scientist who studies how people learn about geoscience (which is the study of Earth, like rocks and oceans). She is also an activist who works to help people with disabilities. Dr. Marshall is well-known for her research and personal experiences with disabilities in the field of geology.

Her Journey in Science

Dr. Anita Marshall earned her PhD in geology from the University of South Florida. Today, she teaches geology at the University of Florida. She has also been featured in a book for middle schoolers called Breaking The Mold by Dana Levy. This book is about scientists who found unique ways to succeed. Dr. Marshall also appeared in a documentary film, Brink of Disaster: Miami Sinking.

Helping Scientists with Disabilities

Dr. Marshall is a leader in making STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) welcoming for everyone. Many people used to think that you needed to be physically strong to work in geology. This meant that people with disabilities were often left out. Dr. Marshall works hard to change this idea. She once told PBS NewsHour, "If you think about it, the moon is also inaccessible. Mars is inaccessible. And yet we do science on them anyway." This means that even if a place is hard to reach, we can still study it using different methods.

The GeoSPACE Project

Dr. Marshall helps lead the International Association for Geoscience Diversity. This group works to include people with disabilities in geoscience. She also led a special project called GeoSPACE. This project, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), helps students with limited movement do geology field work. The GeoSPACE team uses technology and teamwork. This allows students with disabilities to fully take part in field trips or even work from home.

Working for More Diversity

Dr. Marshall is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She works to bring more different kinds of people into STEM. As a disabled Indigenous woman in geoscience, she represents several groups. These groups are often not seen enough in science fields.

Accessible Field Trips

In September 2024, Dr. Marshall led an accessible field trip. This trip was to Lost Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. The team included scientists and students with challenges like hearing, vision, and movement difficulties. They explored the area around the San Andreas Fault. Some participants used drone videos to see places they could not visit in person. Dr. Marshall believes that challenges do not stop good science. She said, "Just because you can’t do it like someone else doesn’t mean you can’t do it."

Awards and Recognition

• University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Excellence in DEI Award, 2023
• EXCEL Media Gold Award for a special article, "Creating Spaces for Geoscientists with Disabilities to Thrive", 2021
• Rising Leader for students with disabilities, DisabilityIN, 2017