After a busy 4 days at the State of the Arctic (SoA) in Miami, I have found some time to distill the whirlwind of information and advice. SoA was my first science conference and I didn’t exactly know what to expect. Initially, I was somewhat nervous to present my poster, seeing as my audience was going to be some of the most renowned arctic scientists in the world. Yet after settling in and getting a feel for the proceedings, I realized that I had nothing to be nervous about. The people I talked to were receptive and genuinely interested in my project, possibly because they had never heard of transient storage! Regardless, the poster session was a good chance to impart some of my experience and soak up all the other types of studies that were being undertaken in the Arctic.
I would also like to use this post to welcome the new Polaris Project students and to introduce myself. First, I’m extremely excited to meet all the new students and I just have to tell you that you’re in for an amazing and fulfilling adventure. The Polaris Project is like nothing I’ve ever done. You are about to travel to a very special place, one that very few people ever get to see in their lifetime let alone know anything about. It will be your role to share what you learn while studying and living in this remote and beautiful place. That said, arm yourself well against mosquitos.
My name is Travis Drake and I am currently a senior Geology major at Carleton College. My interest in the Polaris Project started when I took Arctic Systems Science from Max Holmes when he was a visiting professor at Carleton. Last summer, I worked with fellow returning student Erin Seybold and professor John Schade to profile the biogeochemical processing of small streams around Cherskii. Specifically, I explored the role of transient storage (the retention of solutes in hyporheic sediments or surficial features such as eddies and pools) on processing rates. This summer, I plan on continuing this work, and expanding the scope of our project. To the new students: if this is something that interests you, please feel free to contact either Erin or me! We would love to expand the stream team!
Like Erin said, reuniting with the Polaris Project at the recent conference in Miami only made me more excited to return to Siberia. I can’t wait to head back and to share in this awesome journey will the new group.
