My Dream Job: Cross-Cultural Communication in Arctic Geoscience by Pacifica

My Dream Job: Cross-Cultural Communication in Arctic Geoscience by Pacifica - February 2019 Scholarship Essay

Ultimately, I am determined to contribute Arctic oceanography research that emphasizes cross-cultural and interdisciplinary knowledge co-production, and thereby supports local level understandings of the changing Arctic environment. I aspire to do so by working for an organization such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. I plan to focus my scientific research on climate change impacts on Russian Arctic oceanography, with an emphasis on acknowledging Arctic communities’ needs and knowledge. Through local engagement, earth scientists can bolster the accuracy of their results and expand the reach of their data. Such mutual communication thereby lays the foundation for locally relevant and effective environmental policies.

As an earth and oceanographic science and Russian double major and economics minor at Bowdoin, I am currently strengthening both my scientific and language skills to prepare for a future in Arctic geoscience research which emphasizes cross-cultural communication. My interdisciplinary course load has contributed to my holistic understanding of the relationship between varying cultural values and humanity’s collective understanding of our environment.

My multiculturalism also contributes to my determination to incorporate cross-cultural knowledge into science. Speaking Japanese, Russian, and French has helped me recognize the importance of understanding cultural differences. The only mixed-race member of my family, I often find myself explaining differing cultural values to my relatives. On the Bowdoin College campus, co-leading the Russian club, and helping found the Japanese Students Association, I've encouraged spaces that celebrate identity. I aim to carry this value for cross-cultural perspectives with me into geoscience research.

My past summer research experiences have prepared me with the support of mentors, the technical skills, and conceptual knowledge that will advance me toward my goal. In 2016 and 2017, I collaboratively developed and conducted my first research protocol to analyze pollinator biodiversity in Yellowstone (presented at Ecological Society of America 2017 conference). I spent the following summer with Professor Jim Hench and the Duke University Marine Laboratory, 3D sonar mapping the coral reef in French Polynesia, in order to investigate its impact on small-scale hydrodynamics. The experience sparked my interest in understanding the interconnected relationships between oceanographic processes. There, I also realized the disconnect between ongoing Western ocean science research and extensive local oceanic knowledge. Honest community conversations illuminated how protecting our environment necessitates bridging local and scientific knowledge.

In 2017, after earning Bowdoin’s annual Earth and Oceanographic Science Book Award, I was invited to design an independent geology research project about ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism. Under Professor Emily Peterman’s mentorship, I learned to use geochemical instruments, conducted fieldwork in Greece, and became hooked on the process of discovering completely new information about Earth.

I then gained the privileges to attend an international Arctic conference, study Icelandic glaciers in the field, and conduct an Arctic Ocean remote sensing research project. Studying the Arctic sparked my enthusiasm because it explicitly necessitates cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration.

To pursue it further, I attained a summer internship opportunity at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, where I developed my computer programming skills to study glacier dynamics. Under the mentorship of Professor Regine Hock and Dr. David Rounce, I assessed how glacier area, slope, and debris cover impact glacier thickness change along the elevational profile. I used Python to process and integrate remotely sensed mass redistribution data from 8000 High Mountain Asia glaciers. Ultimately this work will contribute to a refined retreat and thinning parameterization within the lab’s larger glacier evolution model. I presented our research at the 2018 American Geophysical Union Meeting. After receiving enthusiastic feedback from such experienced researchers, I feel more energized than ever to further understand the hydrosphere and cryosphere.

Now, having strengthened my leadership abilities through positions tutoring mathematics, teaching ballet, co-leading three student organizations, and supervising the college house sustainability program, I am applying such leadership skills toward my interest in the Arctic. I recently co-founded Bowdoin’s Student Arctic Initiative in order to facilitate broader student engagement in cultural, social, environmental, and economic Arctic issues. I am also volunteering with a Russian indigenous rights leader, translating Russian documents for the international community to learn about Arctic Indigenous and environmental issues.

After graduating next year, I will pursue a Fulbright Arctic Initiative grant, in order to further study how climate change impacts are impacting oceanographic and sea ice processes in the Arctic. Then, I will pursue graduate school in Arctic oceanography, in order to prepare for a future career in interdisciplinary Arctic geoscience research.