Polar Diaries

Communicating the beauty of Antarctica with Dr Natalie Robinson

In episode 7 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Dr. Natalie Robinson. Natalie is a marine physicist with a passion for polar oceanography. Based in New Zealand at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in Wellington as well as at the Antarctic Research Centre at Victoria University of Wellington, Natalie’s work dives deep into the icy world of Antarctica. From large-scale ocean circulation and year-to-year variability to the fascinating small-scale processes at the ice-ocean interface, Natalie’s research is as wide-ranging as it is groundbreaking. She’s played a key role in unraveling the mysteries of how ice shelves and sea ice interact, using cutting edge sub-ice observations to study everything from pressure induced supercooling and multi-phase fluid flow to the drag and roughness at the ice interface and buoyancy-driven convection. Don’t worry if this all sounds quite confusing, Natalie will simplify things and explain everything in more detail during the show. But Natalie’s work isn’t just about science—it’s about sharing the wonder of it with the world. She’s a big advocate for making science accessible and loves bringing together the humanities and sciences to help people appreciate the beauty of Antarctica and the challenges it faces. In 2015, Natalie received a $300,000 Fast-Start Marsden grant to investigate a fascinating question: why is Antarctica producing more sea ice even as the ocean warms? Her work focuses on the boundary layer beneath platelet ice, a little known but critical area. Today, she’s also a co-lead on a major Antarctic Science Platform project, studying the links between sea ice and carbon cycle feedbacks. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your travels to the frozen regions of the world! Learn more about Natalie and her work: https://niwa.co.nz/people/natalie-robinson [https://niwa.co.nz/people/natalie-robinson] Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/]

Breaking the ice: friendships in Antarctica with Professor Ian Hawes

In episode 6 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Professor Ian Hawes who is an Antarctic scientist with Antarctica New Zealand and with the University of Waikato. Ian is a recognised expert in cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and he specialises in the biodiversity and ecosystems of inland and coastal waters and has made significant contributions to knowledge of freshwater ecosystems in both New Zealand and Antarctica. Ian is originally from the UK and joined the British Antarctic Survey in 1978, undertaking pioneering research into inland waters and melt streams. He then joined the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme in 1989 and over 30 years has led a series of research projects in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, the McMurdo Ice Shelf and on Ross Island. Ian is a qualified ice diver and has studied many under-ice environments in the Dry Valley Lakes. His ice diving expertise has contributed to United States, Italian and Korean expeditions and research projects, as well as New Zealand studies on the under-ice marine coastal communities of McMurdo Sound. He has worked extensively with scientists from many countries on international research programmes and has strengthened New Zealand collaborative links. Ian has developed innovative technical solutions to the challenges of collecting scientific data in remote locations and extreme environments. Ian also won the New Zealand Antarctic Medal in 2022, in recognition of his long and dedicated service to Antarctic science and conservation. In this episode, Ian talks extensively about his amazing science and how building friendships and fostering collaborations has been essential to many of his exciting projects. Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask a polar scientist? Use the Q&A function here on Spotify or DM the page on Instagram to feature on the show. Learn more about Ian and his work: ⁠https://www.antarcticscienceplatform.org.nz/about/people/ian-hawes-phd⁠ [https://www.antarcticscienceplatform.org.nz/about/people/ian-hawes-phd] A link to a science communication project that Ian was involved in- 'where memories sleep,' as discussed on the episode: ⁠https://mro.massey.ac.nz/items/8397e0d9-3457-49ba-af51-d2daab838c91⁠ [https://mro.massey.ac.nz/items/8397e0d9-3457-49ba-af51-d2daab838c91] Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/]

The surprising secrets of sea ice with Dr Petra Heil

In episode 5 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Dr Petra Heil. Petra is a sea ice scientist with the Australian Antarctic Programme and the University of Tasmania. Over the years working at AAD and as an associate researcher at the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC at the University of Tasmania, her research has evolved to take in several aspects of sea ice science including coupled ocean/ice/atmosphere modelling, field work, and remote sensing. In this episode, Petra will tell us about the surprising secrets of sea ice- from the physical processes and associated impacts of climate change to the communities (both big and small) that rely on it. Petra will ignite our imaginations to the stunning scenery in Antarctica, and will empower us- both scientists and non-scientists alike, to take action to reduce the impacts of climate change and the profound loss of polar sea ice, and leaves us with a powerful message to always stay curious about the wonderful natural world around us. Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask a polar scientist? Use the Q&A function here on Spotify or DM me on Instagram to feature on the show. Learn more about Petra and her work: ⁠https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-petra-heil/⁠ [https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-petra-heil/] Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/]

Cetaceans and satellites with Dr Hannah Cubaynes

In episode 4 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Dr Hannah Cubaynes who is a research associate in the ‘wildlife from space’ team at the British Antarctic Survey. Hannah’s research interests are to develop the use of space technology for marine wildlife research in remote places, and to make this method applicable at a global oceanic scale by improving the efficiency of image analysis through crowdsourcing and automated systems. Hannah currently works on developing this method for whales and walruses. We discuss Hannah's career journey, how she developed a passion for whale biology, and how she uses satellite data and AI to monitor animal populations. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your travels to the frozen regions of the world! Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask a polar scientist? Use the Q&A function here on Spotify or DM me on Instagram to feature on the show. Learn more about Hannah and her work: https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/hanbay24/ [https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/hanbay24/] Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/]

Albatrosses from space with Professor Richard Phillips

In episode 3 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Professor Richard Phillips who is the leader of the Higher Predators and Conservation group within the British Antarctic Survey Core Science Ecosystems programme. Much of Richard's work focuses on the evolutionary ecology and population demographics of seabirds including albatrosses, petrels, and skuas. Richard tells us about a recent project, ‘albatrosses from space’, where satellite images and citizen scientists were used to monitor the population sizes of Wandering and Tristan albatrosses at remote islands around the Southern Ocean. Richard tells us about how he fits trackers to enormous Antarctic albatrosses, how infrasound might be used by seabirds as a cue for migration, and how researchers can use the stomach oil deposits from snow petrels to analyse their diet and past sea-ice environments. We also discuss Richard's recent Polar Medal win and his brief meeting with King Charles. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your travels to the frozen regions of the world! Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask a polar scientist? The last few minutes of each episode of Polar Diaries is now being dedicated to listener questions! Use the Q&A function here on Spotify or DM me on Instagram to feature on the show. Learn more about Richard and his work: https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/raphil/ [https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/raphil/] Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/]