We kickstart Season 3 diving into one of the founding places for the modern study and science of geology... Scotland. Three billion years of history, with plenty of volcanic activity along the way! But what if you had someone to guide you through this incredible landscape??

In this episode we're joined by geoscience communicator, presenter and "scottish geologist" Luisa Hendry (she/her) to explore what Scotland has to offer as a geo-teaching paradise, and also Luisa's role a geological tour guide. Enjoy, and maybe sign up for one of Luisa's tours if you're ever in the neighbourhood!

Luisa Hendry, known online as @scottishgeologist, is a Scottish geologist and science communicator renowned for her engaging educational content on Scotland’s geology. She graduated from the University of Glasgow with a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science (Geology) in 2015.

After graduation, Luisa worked as a Senior Engineering Geologist within the engineering sector. In 2023, she began creating educational videos on TikTok and Instagram, sharing her passion for rocks and geological formations. Her authentic and accessible approach quickly earned her a substantial following with over 500K across all her social media accounts.

Building on her online success, Luisa founded “Scot Rock Walks – Geology Tours Ltd” in March 2024, offering guided geology tours across Scotland to educate the public about the nation’s rich geological heritage. She also delivers workshops and educational talks through “Scot Rock Talks,” aiming to inspire future generations of geologists.

Luisa’s contributions have significantly raised public awareness and appreciation of geology, particularly Scotland’s diverse geological landscapes. Her work exemplifies how passion and modern communication platforms can effectively promote science education.

Socials:

IG – https://www.instagram.com/scottishgeologist/?hl=en

FB – https://www.facebook.com/scottishgeologist/?locale=en_GB

YT – https://www.youtube.com/@Sco ttishgeologist

Threads – https://www.threads.com/@scottishgeologist

TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@scottishgeologist?lang=en

X – https://x.com/scotgeologist?lang=en

We finish this season with a focus on training the next generation of geoscience communicators. We're joined by Sharon Backhouse, Director of the GeoTenerife research and training program based in Canary Islands. We talk about the program and also delve into tourism on volcanic islands, geo-sustainability, and public education of risk and hazards.

I (Sharon) am a journalist and an ardent lover of communication and the Canary Islands. We set up GeoTenerife over a decade ago to provide quality learning experiences for international students and showcase these dramatic volcanic islands in the Atlantic we are so passionate about. We have evolved into a science training and research company, collaborating with a range of local, national and international institutions and experts, running field trips and training camps.

We make all of our research output freely available online via our project VolcanoStories. We focus on the three hot issues where we believe change is most needed: La Palma and the response to the 2021 eruption and reconstruction; volcanic readiness in the Canary Islands and sustainable tourism. We self-funded Lava Bombs, a film about the impacts of the 2021 eruption in Cumbre Vieja, to enable the lessons learned here to travel far and wide to advocate for change in the face of any future event. Shortly we will release Lava Bombs 2 on the reconstruction.

As a communicator, I strive to forge communication links between the key stakeholders: politicians, scientists, emergency managers, residents and the press. We all speak and hear differently, and it's vital to ensure messaging is helpful, particularly in times of crisis. We run free courses and events for residents, and interactive sessions where they can meet and question decisionmakers.

We were at IAVCEI in New Zealand to show and run a panel discussion on Lava Bombs and will run various sessions at COV12 to bring all those voices to stakeholders in Guatemala and the wider community. The topics we tackle are emotive and difficult, but we advocate for constructive discussion and listening to ensure all viewpoints are respected and strive for change where necessary. All our training courses include a SciComm training element. Science is at its best when it's unlocked from closed academic circles at the service of the people. We empower our students to go out into the world and communicate effectively across boundaries.

Website: www.geotenerife.com

VolcanoStories: https://geotenerife.com/volcanostories/

Socials - Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok: @GeoTenerife

Lava Bombs:www.lavabombsfilm.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lavabombsfilm7918

What was your first geology or earth science class? Did you have someone that was an influence in your path? We're joined by community college geology professor Edith Rojas to talk about her personal journey from Nicaragua to the USA, changing career paths, and now passing on geological inspiration to a new diverse generation.

Edith Rojas Salazar (she/her/ella) is an associate professor of Geology at College of the Desert. Edith’s area of expertise is volcanics and geochronology. Professor Rojas is a dynamic force in the geology field nestled in the picturesque Coachella Valley. As a passionate Latina Immigrant, professor Rojas brings a unique perspective to her role, infusing her love for science with a commitment to diversity and accessibility. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom as she engages in science communication initiatives, striving to break down barriers and make STEM fields more inclusive.

Instagram: @Latina_geologist

X: @LatinaGeologist