Katie MacIntosh had always dreamed of going to Antarctica, but her first experience on the continent didn’t go as expected.
She had planned to snorkel from her zodiac to the shore, but quickly discovered that her wetsuit was leaking.
Reflecting on the mix of physical discomfort and emotional fulfillment of setting foot on a continent that few people, especially women in science, ever get to visit, MacIntosh described the day as quite emotional.
This was just one of the many memorable moments for three geoscientists from Nova Scotia during their month-long research trip to Antarctica.
Twenty-four women experts from various fields worldwide, led by Sea Women Expeditions, undertook the journey to study climate change impacts.
After a month-long expedition in Antarctica, three geoscientists from Nova Scotia are back and eager to share their climate change research experiences. Watch the report by CBC’s Carolyn Ray.
Coincidentally, three out of the four leaders in underwater robotics were from Nova Scotia, a testament to the province’s strong presence in ocean science.
“For explorers and ocean scientists, it’s a dream come true,” said MacIntosh, originally from Antigonish but currently based in London, England.
As a marine geomatics engineer overseeing planning and technology on the expedition, she felt privileged to be part of an all-female team conducting successful scientific work in such a remote and challenging environment.
The team engaged in weeks of scuba diving and snorkeling to gather underwater data.
While their work focused on studying leopard seal behavior, testing whale bones, and mapping glaciers, they made sure to showcase their maritime heritage by deploying robotic equipment from a zodiac while playing traditional Maritime music.
“We had a daily kitchen party on our zodiac, bringing our Maritime spirit with us,” joked Heather Pearce from Chester, a geoscientist consultant with WSP Canada responsible for underwater research on benthic marine life.
“Descending into the water from the boat and exploring was an unforgettable experience for me,” she added.
Denise Brushett, originally from Lake Ainslie but now residing in Halifax, specializes in mapping and has a deep passion for glaciers, finding the ice in Antarctica profoundly impactful.
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