In my 9-22-21 Journal, I introduced some of the US scientists on the Chemistry Team. We are working closely with a group of Russian chemists as well. It has been great getting to know and work with them, and I am continually impressed by their ability to communicate in English about science topics (I often tell my bilingual students how fortunate they are to speak multiple languages and that is one of the areas in which I feel totally lacking - who knows, maybe in retirement?!?).

    Chemistry students - can you read this?!?

    Russian Periodic Table
    The Russian Periodic Table. It's arranged a bit differently, and some of the elements seem to be missing.

    The chemistry team is also collecting water samples from the rosette, but they are doing chemical analysis for oxygen, alkalinity, and nutrients in an adjacent lab while on board - they are very busy.

    We have discussed having them "guest lecture" to my classes once we are all back home. I think my students will really enjoy it.

    Natalya "Natasha" Alekseeva - Arctic and Antarctic Research Center (AARI)

    Titration
    Natasha Alekseeva uses a pH meter and automatic titrator to determine the alkalinity (acid/base properties) of the ocean water.

    Background: Natasha is "ABD" - all but dissertation for her PhD in hydrochemistry and oceanography. She has considerable field work and lab experience, and her research has focused on carbon cycling in freshwater Arctic lakes.

    Why the Arctic? Natasha (along with Ivan - introduced below) participated in a research expedition that started in St. Petersburg, Russia, continued to Germany, to South Africa, and included a circumpolar (around the pole) cruise around Antarctica - 6 months in total!

    Best Parts of the Job: Learning new things - she has considered a 2nd PhD. Worst Parts of the Job: Separation - she has an almost 3-year-old son at home.

    Entertainment for the Ship: Music - she has an amazing playlist.

    Ekaterina "Katya" Litina - AARI

    Oxygen Testing
    Katya Litina tests for oxygen in the water samples. She is enjoying her time on board, but the ice and snow reminds her that she wishes she was snowboarding.

    Background: Katya studies physical oceanography and geo-ecology, focusing on the Baltic Sea. She loves to downhill and cross-country ski, but snowboarding is becoming her new favorite because of the challenge.

    Why the Arctic? When Natasha told her about an opening on this cruise, she immediately jumped on the opportunity because she had never been on an Arctic expedition.

    Best Parts of the Job: The adventure - doing "real" science. Worst Parts of the Job: Repetitive lab work - repeating the same chemical test over and over.

    Entertainment for the Ship: Video making, pencil drawings of Arctic landscapes.

    Ivan Gangnus - Moscow State University

    Nutrient Analysis
    Ivan Gangnus uses a multi-channel chromatograph device to analyze nutrient samples. This is a 'rare' photo of Ivan because he works nights.

    Background: Ivan has always loved science and is in charge of nutrient testing, especially on the night shift (I do not see him that often).

    Why the Arctic? In addition to participating in the Antarctic circumpolar expedition, as well as many others, Ivan was on the NABOS cruise in 2013 and is here to continue his work.

    Best Parts of the Job: Finding something new in science. Worst Parts of the Job: The very long hours.

    Entertainment for the Ship: Sleeping - when not in the lab (which is not often), Ivan tries to catch up on his sleep. At home, he likes going to movies.

    Date
    Location
    East Siberian Sea
    Weather Summary
    Overcast - full ice cover
    Temperature
    -12.5 C
    Wind Speed
    11.8 m/s

    Comments

    Jenn Heidrich

    This is fascinating! Thank you for sharing the image of the Russian Table of Elements. I love that you're able to build relationships with scientists from across the world, particularly Russia, on your expedition. If you end up able to host guest lectures, please record them- I would love to use them in class!

    Jonathan Pazol

    Jenn, the international collaboration is pretty incredible. We also have scientists from Denmark and Japan, and it has been great observing them collaborate and enagage with each other about their research. Happy to record the lectures and provide a link.

    David Forcucci

    Early Arctic expeditions included an artist to record what they saw since photography was not yet invented. Would love to see some of Katya's drawings?
    Dave

    Jonathan Pazol

    I was able to tour the Fram museum in Oslo, which included an exhibition of polar artwork. It was really amazing. I know many researchers are including artists as part of their grant/outreach proposals. There is a specific program for Antarctica. As far as Katya's drawings, I'll ask her if I can share.

    David Forcucci

    Very cool that you had the opportunity to visit the Fram! Last year the KV Svalbard deployed boats near where the Fram started its drift across the Arctic at 79.804456N 136.856153E. We were aiming to deploy the boats/buoy that are on board close to where the Fram iced in, near those coordinates.

    Jonathan Pazol

    Just wanted to give you an update - the boats have been deployed! I will be posting pictures and info in the next few days. Can you email me at jpazol@leyden212.org because I have a few questions so I can get accurate info? Thanks. 1-2 pictures posted on Twitter and Facebook