Reflections from the Field

I had opportunities to collaborate with artists on research projects I conducted in the United States, but never on an international expedition to Antarctica. As a polar plankton ecologist, I participated in six research expeditions to Antarctica and know how intense they can be. They are certainly not for everyone given the long working hours, sometimes cramped conditions, and tumultuous seas. In speaking with Kyra prior to the cruise, I could already tell she would be amenable to working in Antarctica.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would “spawn” in the middle of the Pacific Ocean! As a gaming school library media specialist from the inner city, my career path has taken many unexpected turns, but nothing quite like this: an adventure to Southern California to study whales alongside an inspiring and super

Before I left for the Alaskan Arctic this summer, I carried a quote from Octavia Butler with me: “All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you.” I thought I understood it. But standing for the first time on the tundra, under a sun that seemingly refused to set, I realized I