Supporting Science in Antarctica
Presented by Jonathan Wille, Research Assistant
During the 2015-2016 Antarctic field season, I worked as a weather observer at the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide field camp. At the camp, I spent half my time supporting aircraft operations and the other half performing the necessary tasks needed to keep a camp running in one of the most remote corners of the planet. Coming from a science background, it felt a bit strange at first to be working as a contractor supporting science operations. After a while, I fell in love with my job and the community of support staff and scientists working together for a common goal - to make great science happen. Every contractor working on the ice has an interesting story to tell. This conglomeration of adventurous people from all walks of life creates a unique community. During this talk, I will share the logistical side of Antarctic operations and some of the stories of contractors who decided to take their skills to the bottom of the world.
