18 January 2023 Thank you for your support!

Journal

The Best Live Stream Ever!

Thank you to everyone for tuning in this morning! It was amazing to see so many smiling faces! I'm in awe of technology and it's crazy I was able to talk to you from literally the bottom of the world. I know it wasn't a perfect internet connection but thank you for being patient and sticking it out!

I love all of your questions in the chat! I know I wasn't able to answer them all so if you still have a question, post it below!

If you weren't able to tune in, the event was recorded and it will be archived on the PolarTREC website for you to watch later!

I would like to thank the Academy...

There are SO many people I need to thank for their support. So I shall be doing that below in the picture captions.

Elaine holds a flag in front of the California Science Center. — Best Workplace Ever! I am so honored to bring you all down here with me. Every single person in (and outside of) my department stepped up to help me before I left (and still are currently filling in for me!)

Elaine holds a flag at the South Pole that says California Science Center — Started in Los Angeles.... now we're here!

Elaine holds a USC Flag at the Geographic South Pole — My alma mater! I am so honored to still be supported by former professors, alumni, and current students I get to work with through Women in Science and Engineering (USC WiSE) and USC Our Savior Parish. Fight on!

Elaine gives a thumbs up in her airplane seat — None of this would be possible without PolarTREC! Their support in everything A-Z has been invaluable. I was so prepared coming down here thanks to Janet and Judy, the rest of the team, and all the amazing previous PolarTREC teachers!

Elaine holds her arms up in front of the IceCube Laboratory — I owe a huge thank you to Jim Madsen and the whole IceCube team for investing in me and giving me the chance of a lifetime. I will be an IceCuber for life and I can't wait for Gen2!

Elaine takes a selfie with a group of friends in front of a Christmas Tree — I have the best family and friends. The kind that support you from afar while you're away, and make it the BEST moment when you get to come home. I love you and miss you all! You're here in my heart!

A group of scientists holds flags and stuffed animals at the South Pole — It has been so fun to work with Wisconsin Libraries and tour their items and stuffed animals around the South Pole. Thank you for sharing my adventure and being a fun part of it! (P.S. Everyone at South Pole Station knows the animals too now!)

A group of people gathered at a large assembly. — I love working with students. That's why teachers become teachers. It has been amazing to share my journey with students from the Alexander Science Center School, as well as classrooms of friends, family, and strangers. I can't wait to see the students again when I get back! (This was the school's winter program I got to see on my last day at work!)

Elaine holds a flag at the Geographic South Pole reading Elaine in Antarctica — I have had incredible support from people here that I've known just a few days. Everyone is so willing to help me whether it's IT setting up my laptops, scientists explaining their research over and over until I get it, or even just operational support helping me when I'm lost. I couldn't have done it without them! (This is a flag I made signed by everyone I have met here!)

The Best Ever. Period.

Even if we have never met in real life - everyone's support has meant the world to me. All your comments, encouragement, and questions have given me an amazing purpose here! I wanted to come to Antarctica to share all of this awesome continent with the world. Thank you for letting me do that!