“One thing we like to say [in Antarctica] is that nothing on the continent can kill you, except for the entire continent.” –Karen Pszonka
In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Karen talk about how Karen first got a job in Antarctica (1:40); what weather is like during the Antarctic winter, the research being done at McMurdo, and a penguin named “Buddy” (8:00); what the landscape working conditions, and living conditions are like in Antartica (24:00); what community life is like among the people who live and work in Antarctica (42:15); and the best and worst aspects of working in Antarctica, and how one might go about applying for a job there (1:02:00).
Karen Pszonka (@zonks) works as support staff for the United States Antarctic Program‘s science research at McMurdo Station.
Notable Links:
- Ice Bound, by Dr. Jerri Nielsen (book)
- Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica, by Sara Wheeler (book)
- Doomsday Glacier (Antarctic glacier)
- Europa (moon of the planet Jupiter)
- IceCube (neutrino observatory at the South Pole)
- Sea spider (marine arthropod)
- Ob tube (research instrument)
- Sea angel (type of sea slug)
- Royal Society Range (mountain range in Antarctica)
- Hut Point (peninsula in Antarctica)
- Medevac (medical evacuation)
- Manhauling (human-powered sledges)
- The Nutcracker (ballet)
- Skua (type of bird)
- U.S. Antarctic Program job opportunities
The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.
Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.
