The expedition and the team!
The expedition has officially begun!
Many of you are probably familiar with what we are doing, but in case you are wondering...a team of animal physiologists and I are taking part in a National Science Foundation funded project titled The Cost of a New Fur Coat. Weddell seals will be our research subjects and we will be conducting our research near McMurdo Station, Antarctica.
Weddell seals, the subject of out research.
The team and I will be looking at how the seals physiology (how the seal’s body works) and the seal’s environment (the seal’s habitat) might drive what the scientists call ‘critical life history events,’ such as pupping (having a baby) and molting (shedding fur). We will be looking at how changes in the climate and environment might affect these natural cycles.
So, the team and I will be giving the seals a checkup and running a battery of tests to learn what drives the timing of these ‘critical life history events.’
Pretty cool, huh?
Stay tuned! This expedition promises to be packed with lots of ‘cool’ stuff!
The team
There is no team without players!
And we have an all-star cast – with a range of expertise that ensures a successful expedition! Allow me to introduce a few team members to you!
Meet Michelle Shero and Amy Kirkham. We met each other at the L.A. airport and traveled together to Sydney, Australia, where we had an 8 hour layover.
So what does one do in Sydney for 8 hours? You go sightseeing, of course.
We spent an amazing day walking around downtown Sydney and soaking up the sun. And, there was plenty of it! Here we are in front of the famous Sydney Opera House.
Team members Michelle, Amy and Alex outside the Sydney Opera House.
We will meet the rest of the team tomorrow. But in the meantime, I've created some 'Team cards' to briefly introduce you Amy and Michelle. Enjoy!
Amy Kirkham
Meet Amy Kirkham - Weddell seal team member.
Michelle Shero
Meet Michelle Shero - Weddell seal team member.
Me
Meet Alex Eilers - Weddell seal team member.
You've now met half of the November/December expedition team, tomorrow you'll meet the other half.
But remember this is just a snippet, keep an eye out for future journals highlighting each member!
Where are Bruce Bulkfigure and Molly Minifig?
I spy them near the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia.
Bruce Bulkfigure and Molly Minifig near the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
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