Toolik FAQs
Welcome to Toolik
Over the past week, I've Skyped students in Ireland, Chile, China, England, and the U.S. Here are the students' frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Where are you?
Location of Toolik
Toolik Field Station is at 68º north latitude, above the Arctic Circle. Toolik is managed by the University of Fairbanks, Alaska, as a station where scientists from around the world can do research.
Is there a lot of snow?No! I can see snow on top of the Brooks Range Mountains and a few patches of snow on the hills, but the tundra is otherwise snow free and full of blooming plants.
View of the tundra and the Brooks Range
What is the temperature?
Daytime highs have ranged from 42-62ºF. Most days have been rainy, however, and the air feels chilly. I walk around with at least a light jacket on. When out on the field on a rainy day, I am dressed for the weather. CH2M Hill provides excellent gear for me to use in the field
I'm dressed for a cold hike
What are you doing?
As a PolarTREC teacher, my job is to learn about the science done here, and communicate that science to my students and the general public. This job won't end when I leave Toolik. I plan on doing polar science outreach for years to come!
During the day I am helping in the lab as much as I can, visiting field sites to learn about the area and help collect samples, or working on PolarTREC journal posts. The researchers here are very patient with me and take time to explain what they are doing.
I'm helping in the dry lab
Who are the researchers?
Dr. Rose Cory and Dr. George Kling are the principal investigators (PIs) of the research project I am assigned to. They are both from the University of Michigan, from the departments of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Lab Manager Katie Harrold and graduate student Adrianna Trusiak are also part of the team.
Miss Trusiak and Dr. Harrold in the field
Lab space is shared with Dr. Byron Crump, Oregon State University, and his graduate student, Sarah Nalven. PolarTREC teacher Lauren Watel is working with the microbe group. Together, all make a great team!
Dr. Crump and Lauren Watel in the lab
What research is done at Toolik?
A wide variety of research project are going on. Some are short term projects. Some have been carried on for years. Projects include topics in ecology, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, microbiology, atmosphere, genetics - just about every field of science.
Collecting water samples from a lake
Researchers work in the field and in a lab, travel by foot, truck, snow machine, boat, or helicopter to access research sites.
Gear for field work
Bikes make getting around camp a little quicker
I also get to make some of my own observations.
Using my phone app to measure lux
Where do you stay?
Toolik Field Station is next to a lake on the Arctic tundra. Camp buildings include many labs, a dining hall, a community center, meeting center, work shops stocked with tools and machines, a bike tent, medical tent, shower building, sleeping quarters, fitness center, and sauna. A diesel generator provides electricity. The buildings are constructed to withstand harsh weather, but are comfortable to be in.
Here's the weatherport building where I am sleeping. There is a space heater inside.
Weatherport sleeping areas
The mattress is comfortable, and my sleeping bag is cozy.
My sleeping area
Here's where I sleep
What do you eat?
Food here is excellent! A large kitchen staff provide three meals a day, six days a week.
This week's menu
One man is a baker. He keeps us well supplied with fresh desserts and baked breads. The dining hall is open 24 hours a day. Leftovers are kept in a fridge for easy access, and a freezer is loaded with ice cream. There is a wall of snacks, and good supply of coffee, teas, and cold drinks. The only problem with the food is that I need to practice self-constraint!
Delicious snacks and leftovers are in easy reach
Does the sun really shine all day?
Yes! The sun hasn't gone below the horizon since mid-May. Many times the light woke me up in the middle of the night. I thought that I was late for work, but it was only 3:00 AM. I've worn an eye mask of a few nights to block out the sun.
The sun doesn't get much lower than this
The sun is still bright at midnight
Why do people go here?
Toolik Field Camp is a place where researchers can go to focus on their work. They don't need to worry about setting up a lab or cooking food. Scientists are here to work, and they work very hard. I hope to see some of my students here as researchers one day. I hope they invite me to be one of their research assistants!
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