Ok, so I realize that I told you all about my trip getting to Alaska, but I haven't exactly explained why I'm in Alaska yet. So here we go.
About three years ago, I heard about a program called PolarTREC in a seminar at Northwestern University, where I am currently a student.
See? I even have the ID to prove it.PolarTREC is a unique experience that connects teachers with researchers so they may work together on field research expeditions in polar regions (aka the Arctic or the Antarctic).
From left to right: Christina Carr, Dr. Erin Pettit, me. Not pictured: Dr. Rachel Obbard.If you have found this journal entry, then hopefully you have taken a few minutes to look around the PolarTREC website and check out some of the cool projects and resources available here. (If not, I highly recommend doing so!)
Anyway, being that I love to travel, have a background in environmental science, and am constantly searching for interesting experiences to enhance my teaching, I knew I had to try it.
This year, I finally applied, and got selected!
The penguins are clearly as excited as I am.As a result, I will be accompanying a team to WAIS Divide, Antarctica, in December 2013. You can read more about the team and our project on my expedition page!
Right now, I am in Fairbanks, Alaska, for orientation... aka expedition bootcamp! They are pumping us full of information, ideas, and inspiration to get ready for our research experience.
We march in formation everywhere we go. PolarTREC Alum, Dan Frost, works with newbie, Justin Kendhammer, on something very important and top-secret. The view from my hotel room. Waking up to this scene in the morning made it easier to start each day.Over the coming year, I will be preparing, physically, mentally, academically, and spiritually, for the challenges and adventures ahead. While I learn new things and train for the expedition, I will be documenting my journey through these posts. I hope my experiences will serve as a little window into this world. You can ask questions and post your comments on the "Ask the Team" forum -- teach me what you know and learn with me as I go!