A lifelong dream of Katie MacIntosh was to explore Antarctica, but her initial experience on the continent didn’t go as planned. While attempting to snorkel from her zodiac to shore, she discovered her wetsuit was leaking. Despite the challenge, MacIntosh expressed a mix of physical discomfort and overwhelming emotion at the realization of setting foot on a continent that few individuals, particularly women in the field of science, have the opportunity to visit.
This significant moment was part of a month-long research expedition to Antarctica undertaken by three geoscientists from Nova Scotia. A group of twenty-four women from various countries, all experts in different fields, participated in the journey organized by Sea Women Expeditions to examine the impacts of climate change.
Interestingly, three out of four individuals leading the underwater robotics work were from Nova Scotia, showcasing the province’s strong presence in ocean science. MacIntosh, a marine geomatics engineer originally from Antigonish but based in London, oversaw the technical aspects and planning for the expedition. Reflecting on the experience, she highlighted the uniqueness of conducting scientific research in such a remote and challenging environment alongside an all-female team.
The team engaged in scuba diving and snorkeling activities to collect underwater data, including studying leopard seals, testing whale bones, and mapping glaciers. While their work was focused and intensive, they also incorporated elements of their Maritime heritage by playing local tunes on a speaker while deploying robotic equipment from a zodiac.
Heather Pearce, a geoscientist consultant from Chester working with WSP Canada, shared her joy in exploring the glaciers underwater to gather data on marine life near the sea floor. Denise Brushett, a mapping specialist originally from Lake Ainslie now residing in Halifax, was particularly moved by the breathtaking sights of Antarctica, including witnessing whales, icebergs, and the impacts of melting ice on the landscape.
Brushett expressed a newfound responsibility to spread awareness about their observations on climate change. Over the next year, the team plans to analyze the collected data and engage with schools to educate others about the pressing issue.
