Veronica was born and raised in Santiago, Chile, is 39 years old, not married, studied marine-biology in Valparaiso and is now Head of the Scientific Department of the Chilean Antarctic Institute. She has been to Antarctica 10 times.
What is your job onboard the Oden?
Observing and recording of Antarctic marine vertebrates and supporting the international collaborations for Chilean Antarctic research.
Why did you study marine biology?
I started loving animals as a kid. I wanted to know how their life is, how they exist. I discovered that I like the Ocean too. My uncle had a small house at the beach. Santiago is only two hours from the ocean.
What about having a family?
I am not married and have no kids. With my job requiring being away at least 5 months each year it would be very difficult to raise a family. In addition, the men of our country are expecting women to be at home taking care of them and the family. You know “Machos”. Our new Chilean president is a woman and hopefully things will change …
What do you do as marine biologist and why Antarctica?
I started studying zooplankton along the Chilean coast but was always thinking of the big mammals. Suddenly, like a gift, one of my professors invited me to study whales in Antarctica.
How often have you been to Antarctica?
More than 10 times over ten years for 2-4 month, each summer during the breeding season for lots of Antarctic animals. I love Antarctica.
You are the Head of the Scientific Department in the Chilean Antarctic Institute and ‘ambassador’ for your countries Antarctic research and international collaboration tell me more about it…
Antarctica is a huge, vast continent of extremes and very important for studying our Earth’s past and future. We can not stay alone as Chileans. The best ways to cope are international relationships. We are currently closely engaged with NSF (US) and AWI (Germany). Chile has very good scientists and we want to share and in the process increase our own knowledge and science. This attitude is a big change from the politics three years ago.
You are very committed to engage students and schools in Antarctic research…
Yes, when I went to school we learned only about five continents. Antarctica was not one of them. The Chilean Antarctic Institute started working with teachers and schools just recently. Being closer to students is our goal. My little nephew learns about Antarctica in school now. I am very happy about this.
I absolutely love my job. I love my office on the ocean, the animals, and the beauty of nature.
Resource Type
Polar Profile