As a very lucky student at the University of Guelph, I landed my first coop job at the GAW lab in 2022. I shoveled my way into my bosses’ good graces and was awarded the position again in 2024. As the student, I clocked 8 months in Alert, many of which were in 24hour darkness, -50°C, and 110km/hr winds. Many were also in 24hour sunshine with sightings of polar bears and ‘fields’ of arctic poppies.
Both terms taught me an awful lot about global climate research (and research in general), and for an undergrad with no real career trajectory, that was huge. As much as I value the knowledge gained, the opportunity to live in the Arctic taught me much more. I fostered a real connection with the tundra and, not to be too cheesy, felt as though I had a bit of a home amongst the silence.
Back at uni I was also beginning to learn about controlled environment agriculture (CEA), which is all about growing plants indoors so that “farming” can be done anywhere – including places like Alert! For many reasons growing food in the North seemed like “my calling”. This quickly became my focus and is still what I am chasing. However, while trying to dive deeper into CEA (i.e., pursuing an MSc.) the opportunity to return to Alert came up.
So, although climate research is not my career path, the Arctic certainly is, and that’s why I am here. Sixteen months to soak up the Great White North while running a lab that’s influencing climate policy all around the world. Privileged to say the least.
Better get the last of the sledding in;)
Changing the world! We’re so proud of you!
Katrina and Graham
Thats our girl – molly you are a marvel!!!!
Hi Molly! Love your post. The statement of “had a bit of a home amongst the silence” is truly beautiful.
Love you. Gail
Amazing Molly. We are very proud and impressed down here! Can’t wait for your next missive! Much love, S,L, E & R (doggy)
Wow, Molly! Congratulations on heading up such an important lab. I am excited to read about your adventures and learnings up in the arctic. Sue
Thanks Sue! Appreciate you checkin it out 😀 xo
Hey Molly!
Wow-fascinating stuff you’re involved in! Im so happy to have a better understanding of what you’re up to. What an accomplishment and incredible opportunity for you ( and for them!)
I love and admire your sense of adventure .
looking forward to the next installment…
xo trish
Thanks Trishy <3 Appreciate the warm words! Happy that you're along for the ride =)
So proud of all that you are doing! We miss you back home xx
Wow Molly! Such an adventure! I can’t wait to read more!!
Three years of Alert tours, Molly… and now returning as the Lab Operator! So impressed with you. Wish I could be there.
Enjoying reading your posts Molly! Your facial expressions certainly light that place up! You’re probably be the only person I’ll ever know who’s lived up there – adventure is definitely in your DNA! And to be contributing your skills towards global science research is awesome!
Hi Molly
Hope you are doing well.
All so interesting. You are making a difference to the World.
Miss you lots!
Kathy xx
Hi Molly
It all looks exciting!
You are changing the World one day at a time .
Love the pictures and your smiling face.
Miss you lots !!
Be safe !!
xx