Meet the Growing Up on Ice team's principal investigator Heather Liwanag
Heather Liwanag in Observation Tube in Antarctica
Photo Credit: Heather Liwanag
Name: Heather Liwanag
Title: Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences
What state are you from? California
What college(s) did you or do you attend? I did my undergraduate degree (B.S. in Biology) at the University of California, San Diego. I did my Ph.D. (Ecology & Evolutionary Biology) at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
What was/is your major? General Biology as an undergrad – which I recommend to students so they can get a broad background in biology. You specialize in graduate school.
What inspired you to become a scientist? I have always had a love for animals, and I enjoyed my science classes. It was my high school chemistry professor who suggested that I think about becoming a professor.
What is your role of the research team? I am the “principal investigator,” which means I am the lead scientist. It’s my job to coordinate the team and make sure we collect all the data for the project.
What drew you to Antarctica? One of the things I find especially interesting is how animals maintain their body temperature. This is especially challenging for endotherms (“warm-blooded” animals) like seals and penguins in a place as cold as Antarctica. My Ph.D. advisor studied diving in Antarctic Weddell seals, and I did not get the chance to accompany her on any of her expeditions. So I set out to try to get to Antarctica myself!
Do you have any fears about your expedition in Antarctica? I am a bit worried about the stability of the sea ice this year. We work on the frozen ocean, and the sea ice has been unstable this season. This could change where the seals decide to breed, and it is going to make it important that we look out for each other’s safety.
What are your hobbies? I love trail running, hiking, and kayaking. I have also started golfing with my family.
What is your favorite Netflix/ Hulu / TV Show? This is a hard question to answer! My favorite movie is The Princess Bride. Most recently, I was watching The Handmaid’s Tale (though it is difficult to watch). I also like Modern Family and The Orville.
Who / what are you leaving behind while you are on this expedition? My husband and two boys (aged 10 and 8) will be waiting for me at home. They will be busy with work and school while I’m gone!
What are you most excited about on this expedition? The animals are my favorite part! Weddell seals are incredible animals. I would also be super excited to see Emperor penguins and/or Adelie penguins.
Heather Liwanag and her two sons
Photo Credit: Heather Liwanag
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