As a PolarTREC Teacher Fellow, I have traveled to the top of the world to participate in polar research being conducted in Utqiagvik, Alaska. Dr. Craig Tweedie & Dr. Vanessa Lougheed lead the research team that I have been assigned to for the Summer 2019 Arctic season.

My incredible journey to the arctic region has taken me from the scorching, dry heat of the Chihuahuan desert to the foggy, dynamic tundra of northern Alaska. After multiple flights and 2 days of travel, I have finally arrived in Utqiagvik, Alaska!

"Coming home is one of the most beautiful things." -Andre Rieu

As we made our way further from Cherskiy the world became strangely familiar. Even though we were still in Siberia, Yakutsk seemed modern. A kick back into the 21st century. Moscow, like a Russian Big Apple.

Being in the classroom is something, that as a teacher, I am well prepared to do on a daily basis. As an educator/explorer, being out in the research field is completely different. I have to prepare myself physically and mentally for what is to come.

With only two weeks to go until I head out on my expedition aboard the USCGC Healy, I am getting together all the items on my packing list and preparing for August in the Chukchi Sea.

Our class mascot, SloMo and I have arrived back home to Texas. The last month has been such an incredible experience. I learned so much about phenology, plants, and ecosystems, but mostly how science works in the field.

Amanda in the Arctic: A Photo Diary