Katie MacIntosh had always dreamed of visiting Antarctica. However, her initial experience on the continent didn’t go as expected when she discovered her wetsuit was leaking while snorkeling from her zodiac to the shore. Despite the mishap, the significance of stepping foot on a continent visited by so few, especially women in science, was not lost on her. This emotional moment was just one of many experienced by three geoscientists from Nova Scotia during their month-long research expedition to Antarctica.
Led by Sea Women Expeditions, a group of 24 women experts from various fields worldwide participated in the expedition to study climate change effects in Antarctica. Remarkably, three out of the four leaders in underwater robotics work were from Nova Scotia, showcasing the province’s strong presence in ocean science.
For Katie MacIntosh, a marine geomatics engineer originally from Antigonish working in London, this opportunity to conduct scientific research in such a remote and harsh environment alongside an all-female team was truly special. The team engaged in scuba diving and snorkeling activities to collect underwater data, studying leopard seal behavior, testing whale bones, and mapping glaciers. Despite the seriousness of their work, they infused a touch of home by playing Maritime tunes from a speaker while deploying robotic equipment.
Heather Pearce, a geoscientist consultant from Chester working with WSP Canada, shared her experience scuba diving near glaciers to study benthic marine life, expressing her deep appreciation for the unique opportunity. Denise Brushett, a mapping specialist originally from Lake Ainslie and currently residing in Halifax, was awestruck by the sights in Antarctica, particularly the impact of melting ice on the landscape.
The team now plans to analyze the collected data over the next year and engage in school presentations to raise awareness about climate change. Their shared experiences and discoveries in Antarctica have left a lasting impression, prompting them to advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
By sharing their insights and findings, these dedicated scientists aim to inspire others to take action and protect our planet’s fragile ecosystems.
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