Just a Stone’s Throw Away
When researchers request PolarTREC teacher applications, I imagine that they are looking for personalities that will work with their research group; hard-working, enthusiastic individuals; and other qualities that allow the researchers and the teacher to work in harmony in various extreme conditions. They may even be looking for a teacher that works in close proximity to their respective universities. I was very fortunate to not only be given the opportunity to join a research expedition to Antarctica, but to live just a stone’s throw away from one of the research labs associated with the trip. The University of Rhode Island (URI) campus is located in Kingston, RI – approximately 75 miles from Quincy, MA. Being able to travel less than two hours to campus allows me to visit the lab as often as possible and allows the research team to visit North Quincy High School. Trip preparations, outreach planning, curriculum development and other forms of collaboration can happen face-to-face instead of just over a computer screen.
Breaking the Ice
I recently met Alexa Sterling, a first year graduate student working with Dr. Bethany Jenkins at URI. Alexa and I met to break the ice and lay the foundation for our long-term collaboration. Over the course of two hours, Alexa and I had great conversations about scientific research, Antarctica, living in New England and education as well as the opportunity to simply get to know each other on a personal level. If the rest of the research team is as likeable and enthusiastic as Alexa, I know that this experience will be amazing.
Cara Pekarcik (PolarTREC teacher) and Alexa Sterling (URI graduate student) meet to discuss upcoming lab and school visits.
Future Plans in Place
The URI research lab recently confirmed dates for my visitation to the Jenkins Lab in early May. I will meet the URI research team, learn specific lab techniques and work with the research group to answer questions and brainstorm ideas for outreach. I am also excited to announce that the research team from URI will be traveling to Quincy, MA in early June to meet with and present to my current and future students. Those 75 miles do not seem like much in comparison to the 9,000+ miles we will travel in September towards the Southern Ocean, but those 75 miles will be just as important!
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