Heading to Croatia to conduct a new study!

Hey Everyone,
I am headed to Croatia in the summer of 2010 to conduct a new research study in the Adriatic Sea. I will be focusing my research efforts on studying an invasive plant species called Caulerpa taxifolia. This green algal species has become an invader of the Mediterranean Sea, and is now beginning to take over regions of the Adriatic Sea.

In July, a group of fellow scientists and friends will be joining me to sail the Adriatic, cycle eight different islands, and study the science in the region for two weeks both in the water and on land. Our observations will be recorded in a series of science poems that will incorporate qualitative and quantitative data that we record in the field.

Stay tuned for more information about this new research study!

The close of Climate Change at the Arctic's edge...

Climate change at the arctic’s edge
An interactive experience was Earthwatch’s major pledge.

Bringing the boreal forest and tundra to our students in an instant snap shot
They were able to see us working in a vegetative plot.

Coring trees, destructive sampling, searching for seedlings, and PCQ
Are some of the research methods that we used to name a few.

Larch, Spruce, and Crowberry are some species that we found
While we crawled on our bellies and searched along the ground.

Steve our fearless chief investigator, in pursuit of his PhD
Led us through his investigation to look at each and every tree.

Our team was full of characters, jokes and giggles were galore
We laughed until our sides hurt as we continued to explore.

Carly our bear patroller with gun strapped to her chest
Made us always feel protected even when we took a rest.

An intense educational experience that made science more real than not
And helped us to understand that this research will never be forgot.

The connection among climate, trees, and global warming is now visible & true
For this IPY investigation will be conducted by very few.

Research in action...

This morning we completed another data site for mature tree coring and vegetation surveys. Our team pulled together to take core samples from over 50 trees. The work was intense because we worked quickly and efficiently. This was our last day in the field recording data and taking specimen samples.

In the afternoon we returned to the study center to input data and clean the field instruments.

Responding to your questions...

1. (Jack) Are the black tips on the rabbits ears for any special purpose or is it just coloration?
To my knowledge the black tipped ears of the arctic hare are not serving any other purpose then mere coloration.

2. (Jackie) Are you helping with the analysis process or just the collecting and sorting process?
We are not helping with the analysis process; we are just collecting and sorting specimens.

3. (Kelsey) Is this a job worthy of Discovery Channels Dirty Jobs?
Well I wish I could say that it may be considered for Dirty Jobs, but it isn’t that caliber. Although we get dirty, it does not even come close to comparing to some of the jobs showcased on the show.

4. (Mrs. Gibson) How far off was the polar bear from your group? Did it respond to you, make sounds, look, what did it do?
The polar bear was about 200 yards above us on a rocky outcrop. The bear was concentrated on the food it was eating and not bothered by us or the helicopters that flew overhead. He just hung out and ate.







5. (Mike) Are any of the animals you saw endangered or a protected species?
Well some of the animals that we are seeing; the polar bear in particular is listed on the threatened list, however, according to locals the bear population is not declining at all. The locals have a completely different perspective on endangered and threatened animals of the arctic.

6. (Steph) Did you collect any blood samples from the animals?
No, although our work was supposed to be inclusive of animal evaluation, the area of the study in which we focused on the most was the vegetation of the arctic.

7. (Austin) Has this kind of laborious field research changed the way you look at research science? Does it change the way you view the class?
The research has showed me how hard the life of a field scientist can be. The trials and tribulations that these scientists have gone through to get data to help the world better understand climate change and global warming is rather amazing. The research has made me realize how important scientists are for our global community.
In addition, the Earthwatch Climate change study has taught me that pre-collegiate research is important. It is an important process that will help prepare students for science in the real world. I am happy to report that the work that students are doing at the high school level is an adequate means by which one can be introduced to research science and then continue to build upon these practices as their research and education becomes more in-depth.





8. (Isamar) What are your plans for your return? What are your plans for after you return?
I plan on speaking at four different venues to share the knowledge that I have gained about climate change and global warming to help members of our community better understand what exactly is going on. One of these speaking engagements will be at Morristown High School in October and will give students a chance to discuss the issues surrounding climate change and global warming and learn how they can make a difference on a local level.

The beauty of the arctic...

The arctic is a beautiful place this time of year. So I thought I would share some photos of the beautiful Larch trees and views of the Hudson Bay.

A dedication to scientists...

Well the life of a field biologist definitely has rewards; an opportunity to have a positive impact on the earth, a chance to be in the midst of scientific breakthroughs, hopes of proposing new theories, and the long sought after PhD. However, these payoffs don't come easy. The work that a scientist must do is extremely taxing and laborious. I can attest to the intense work that one must go through in order to gather enough data and propose new scientific theories.

Today our team worked in the field surveying vegetation plots at two different sites for seedlings and saplings for another 5+ hours. After receiving snow yesterday and experiencing a heavy frost this morning, laying on the ground searching for seedlings and saplings was not an easy task. It was cold and difficult to stay focused. This Earthwatch expedition and research opportunity has made me respect the work of field scientists that much more. These scientists don't only work long hours in the field, but they also put in a tremendous amount of hours in the lab. The hours of field research is followed up more time in the lab sorting through collected specimens before the analysis process can even begin.

So tonight's post is dedicated to all of those scientists who sacrifice for the rest of us. Scientists who despite the long hours, persist to conduct research to make our world a better place.

The ULTIMATE arctic experience...

Well today was a terrific arctic day... blue skies, very few clouds, and temperatures hovered at 32 degrees. We spent the morning searching for animals and had a chance to see polar bears, red fox, arctic hares, snow geese, and tundra swans. The animals were awesome! We took a break from the research and finally had a chance to experience off-roading in the arctic backcountry. After seeing the animals in land we headed off to a few miles out to the ocean and soaked in the sun along the shores of the Hudson Bay. As we hiked back to our vehicle it began to snow. My smile right now is so big because I have experienced all that I wanted to see here in the arctic... The Northern Lights, Polar Bears, and Snow!