With the trip to Antarctica a year in the past, I have had more than enough time to reflect, get a new job, travel, reflect some more, and think of ideas for how to spread the word about the program and polar research in general. I'd have to say that things have been quite successful!
The weekend before Thanksgiving I had the opportunity to travel to Portland, OR with some of the CReSIS team and speak on behalf of PolarTREC. Our session focused on the work CReSIS was doing in Greenland and Antarctica as well as the work PolarTREC has done to increase awareness of polar science. There were over 70 participants in the session demostrated hands-on activities related from a curriculum packaged titled "Ice, Ice, Baby," developed by CReSIS. These activities are available for download and can be found at cresis.ku.edu. You will also find information about an online course relating to climate change, "The Heat is On!"
Word has also spread through the school district and I have presented at two elementary schools in the past month, to over 120 students. Three more presentations are already scheduled for January! It is so exciting to see the face of these students that have probably never done more than hear the name Antarctica.
Work is currently being done at the Spencer Art Museum on the campus of the University of Kansas for a polar exhibit and will contain an outreach component. More information and details will be posted to this site as they become available. The event will be taking place in March.
I have also been receiving a few updates from the current WAIS field team. Be sure to check back and see how they're progressing with the core drilling. It's been an interesting field season to say the least. I hope this update finds you well. Be sure to check back for more information.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Cheers, ~Brandon