Greeting from eastern Siberia.  My name is Sudeep Chandra, one of the principal investigators on the Polaris Project and an assistant professor at the University of Nevada- Reno.

Our trip to date has been filled with learning experiences for all involved. I feel honored to be part of a project where students are experiencing different aspect of Russian culture and different disciplines of the Earth sciences. I have spent some time in Southern Siberia, mostly studying lakes and river environments.  Those of you back home know that I have had a love-hate relationship with this part of the world.  This trip has been refreshing since I am able to relive the novelty of Siberia through those that are visiting for the first time. The smell of larch bark, the warmth of people, and also the stern, unhappy look of others makes me love this place and remember the great thing we have back at home.

I think as investigators have  much to learn about science and this novel place through the eyes of our participants.  While students from my University are not on this trip this year, I am have learned how each individual can contribute to improving relations between our countries, science and humanity.  One of our students shows a strong enthusiasm for geology while another seeks to determine their future career path.  The good news is that anything can happen in Siberia!  I believe this experience already is starting to shape the lives of all of us.  I know that I am thinking about how I may contribute to our field.  If all goes well, I will also be able to contribute to the station we are about to visit and the local culture.  Many thanks for Katey Walter, one of our leaders and my old graduate school housemate for involving me with this project.

Looking forward to the future even though the topic of climate change and potential change to our lives back home seems uncertain.

Sudeep

Assistant Prof of Limnology and Conservation Ecology