Meet Growing Up on Ice Team's Co-Principle Investigator Linnea Pearson
Linnea Pearson in Antarctica
Photo Credit: Linnea Pearson
Name: Linnea Pearson
Title: Postdoctoral Researcher, Co-Principle Investigator
Where state are you from? I grew up in Colorado and have lived in Alaska for the last 11 years.
What college(s) did you or do you attend? I did my undergraduate degree at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, and graduate school at the University of Alaska in Anchorage, AK.
What was/is your major? In undergrad, I doubled majored in Biological Sciences and Zoology. My Ph.D. is in Marine Biology.
What inspired you to become a scientist? I was always interested in science, specifically animals. I loved being outside and roaming the woods and creeks near my house. Family vacations growing up usually centered around going to National Parks, zoos, aquariums, astronomy events, etc. I have always wanted to know ‘why, how and what’.
What is your role of the research team? Since I have done fieldwork in Antarctica many times, I am in charge of getting everything ready for the field – coordinating gear, getting equipment set up, making sure everything is right, so we can do our science. I am also in charge of leading procedures and collecting data for some of our procedures.
What drew you to Antarctica? I’m not sure- it’s always been a place I’ve wanted to see – penguins, seals, ice, mountains, vast spaces. It’s also so remote, not many people get to go which made the lure even stronger. I spent a semester studying in Tasmania and took a class about Antarctica and learning about the complex biological ecosystem it has (it’s not just ice!) made me want to go all the more. When I was first asked if I wanted to go, I said Yes with no hesitation!
Do you have any fears about your expedition in Antarctica? Only that something will go wrong and we won’t complete our science or someone gets hurt.
What are your hobbies? At home I garden, knit, spend time with my dog, hike, fish.
What is your favorite Netflix/ Hulu / TV Show? I love the Great British Baking Show, Parks and Rec, and any British mystery series.
Who / what are you leaving behind while you are on this expedition? I’m leaving behind my dog, Archer, and my husband, Jason. Yes, the dog is listed first ☺
What are you most excited about on this expedition? Getting to complete our project! The science we are doing is attempting to answer some of the questions I’ve had since I first started studying Weddell seals and going to Antarctica 12 years ago. It is exciting to get some answers (but mostly more questions! Ahh science).
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