Fowzia Ahmed
The Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), University of Manitoba (Canada)
Fowzia, in dark blue sellopads and a woollen hat, is in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada during the sample collection of sea ice algae. Behind her is a vast expanse of snow and an icy-blue horizon.
What’s the work that you do?
My PhD research focuses on nutrient dynamics of sea ice algae in the Arctic. I am working on the driving factors of ice algal bloom production in spring. The research aim involves nutrient uptake and intracellular nutrient storage strategies of sea ice algae through tidal straits. My plan is to conduct both spatial and temporal sampling across tidal straits in Belcher Islands, Nunavut.
What keeps you going?
Sea ice algae are one of the significant primary producers in the polar ecosystem. Climate change is projected to have a significant yet varying effect on the growth of ice algae. Nutrient dynamics are changing spatially and seasonally due to the rapid melting of sea ice. My curiosity and passion for understanding this change are motivating me in my research career. As a polar researcher, I enjoy taking on the challenge for more knowledge in this field.
What’s your message to the world?
Life is full of surprises; you never know what may occur next. So, try to enjoy every breath you take here. Also, we need to save our planet if we want to have a livable future. My dream is that everybody around the globe will care about the conservation of nature.
Organisation: The Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), University of Manitoba (Canada)
Nationality:
Bangladesh
Disciplines: