Meet the Growing Up on Ice Team's Veterinary Technician Erin Brodie
Veterinary Technician Erin Brodie
Photo Credit: Erin Brodie
Name: Erin Brodie
Title: Registered Veterinary Technician
What state are you from? California (San Diego)
What college(s) did you or do you attend? University of Arizona and Foothill College – A.S. Veterinary Technology.
What was/is your major? B.S. Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, emphasis in Marine Biology, minor in Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics.
What inspired you to become a scientist? I’ve been interested in the ocean and science since I was a little girl. A trip to the Sea of Cortez my freshman year of college solidified my passion for the ocean and all things in it.
What is your role of the research team? I will be working as the Veterinary Technician, one of three members of the medical team for this project. However, I have spent numerous hours in the field wrangling marine mammals, so I am excited to help the team in any capacity that is needed.
What drew you to Antarctica? I have dreamed of traveling to Antarctica to be a part of a research project for the past 20 years. Antarctica is such a special place, one of the last truly remote and diverse places on this Earth. To have the opportunity to join this team of amazing women combines my sense of wanderlust and adventure with my innate drive for science and exploration. I am so excited to study these animals and understand their adaptations to live in one of the harshest environments. And maybe see a few penguins along the way.
Do you have any fears about your expedition in Antarctica? Working in the field is always a little nerve-wracking. So the veterinary team has been working hard to ensure that we will be ready for any situation that may arise. Other than that, I am just unbelievably excited for this adventure.
What are your hobbies? I love to hike, spend time in the ocean swimming and surfing (poorly, but I try), climbing, playing cribbage and cooking.
What is your favorite Netflix/ Hulu / TV Show? Queer Eye (why do I tear up every episode?), Handmaids Tale, The Office
Who / what are you leaving behind while you are on this expedition? I’m leaving behind my boyfriend, my friends, and the sweet animals I work with on a daily basis.
What are you most excited about on this expedition? Antarctica is on my bucket list of places to visit! Having the opportunity to actually spend significant time working with good friends, studying Weddell seals in a beautiful remote location seems like a dream come true. Wait…it is!!!
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