By Larne Boyles

Dona Dirlam, director of the Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center, has been chosen to be profiled in a booklet produced by Sally Ride Science, an organization that supports young girls’ interests in science and technology.

The booklet is part of a series on earth scientists, each featuring 12 profiles of women working in various scientific fields. Every one-page profile also includes an interactive page with crossword puzzles, for example, and another on facts about the profession. Dirlam will represent the science of gemology.

“I am very honored to join this group of women in science, and women in earth science,” Dirlam said. “Science impacts all of our lives. It is very important that young people, both girls and boys, are encouraged to become excited about it and to study science, math and technology in schools.”

Dirlam’s interest in science developed during her childhood, but she credits her role model Dr. Mary Leakey, a geologist, who discovered hominid fossils at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, for inspiring her to study geology. 

“She was a beacon who proved women can make an important contribution when they dedicate their lives to working in science and helping people,” Dirlam said. “For me, that path took me into earth science, and then to gemology at GIA.”

Dirlam, who holds a bachelor’s degree in earth sciences and a master’s degree in geology and geophysics, is also a GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) and a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (F.G.A.).

She began her career teaching earth sciences in Wisconsin for 10 years before
joining the GIA Gem Laboratory in 1980 as a staff gemologist performing diamond grading. Within a year she joined the GIA Library, where she expanded the rare book collection and researched various gemological topics, before she was named director in 1995.

“At GIA, we have the resources to be able to share the knowledge of science with young people through our Jr. Gemologist Program, which the GIA Library supports extensively,” Dirlam said. “I’ve always enjoyed sharing my knowledge and passion about gems and jewelry with students of all ages, so I’m happy to be helping out Sally Ride Science.”

Sally Ride Science was founded by former astronaut Sally Ride – the United States’ first woman in space – to provide support for all girls interested in science, math and technology.