Can you tell us a little about your research project?

– The project seeks to understand the microorganisms in the central Arctic Ocean to use and produce various nitrogen and carbon compounds. At present, very little is known with regards to the “food” that microorganisms in the Central Arctic consume, and the by-products that they produce, especially during late fall, winter and early spring. The purpose of this project is to answer questions and test hypotheses regarding the changing microbial metabolisms throughout an annual cycle – from October 2019 to October 2020 – as seasons transition and environmental conditions shift considerably.

Why is your research important?

– The activities of microorganisms in any aquatic environment drive the cycling of elements that are necessary for life. Two of these important elements are nitrogen and carbon. Investigating the manner in which microorganisms process different nitrogen- and carbon-containing compounds during an annual cycle, enables scientists (e.g. microbial ecologists, biogeochemists and modellers) to quantify the consumption and production of these compounds, the identities of the organisms that are involved, and to understand differences in these processes as environmental conditions change seasonally.

– Answering these questions is especially critical in the central Arctic, where rapid changes in physical and chemical conditions may disrupt the flow of these elements and consequently the structure of biological communities that depend on these elements. Without baseline and fundamental information on the flow of these elements as driven by microorganisms, predicting and understanding the impact of shifting environmental regimes on biological communities in the Arctic becomes difficult.

How can MOSAiC support your research?

– MOSAiC provides the possibility for scientists to conduct year-long projects in the central Arctic. Without the project framework of MOSAiC, organization, and logistical support, such an endeavour would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to conduct.

– From a more personal perspective, MOSAiC provides an amazing opportunity to pursue new questions and test exciting hypotheses related to microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. This opportunity to work with leading polar scientists is truly unparalleled.

How do you prepare?

– Professionally, the preparation began as soon as I was recruited for the project and entailed a radiation training course in Germany, as well as many project meetings to refine experimental strategies.

– I have carried out comprehensive medical examinations and must ensure that I remain healthy. The current pandemic adds layers of complexity to preparations. I also need to be mentally prepared to be separated from civilization, for several months, on an icebreaker. But this extravert will not be hindered, as there are many scientists and crew members on the Polarstern with whom to chat!

What do you look forward to the most?

– As I will be participating in MOSAiC between June to August, I will experience one of my most favourite things in life: 24-hour sunlight in the Arctic. The brightness of the sun is amplified by the reflective properties of the surrounding sea ice (Albedo effect). I am (secretly) partially a tropical plant, requiring excess sunlight to survive. Exciting scientific collaborations can happen almost anywhere, but the 24-hour sunlight and sea-icescape intensify the energy and inspiration!