Caroline Bouchard, PhD

What’s the work that you do?

I am currently senior researcher at Pinngortitaleriffik, in Nuuk, Greenland in the fields of biological oceanography and marine ecology. One of my objectives is to better understand arctic zooplankton and ichthyoplankton, and to determine how climate change is affecting their populations and their interactions. Central to my research is the Arctic cod, a key species in Arctic marine ecosystems that I have been studying for 20 years. I use a variety of techniques and knowledge systems, including Inuit traditional knowledge, natural sciences, social sciences, and citizen science, to study arctic marine ecosystems, and, ultimately, the communities intrinsically connected to them.

What keeps you going?

One day I can analyze CTD data, the next I can interview fishers. I like combining approaches to answer my questions, and I like all parts of my work: field, lab, office, meetings, classrooms, etc. I enjoy disseminating scientific advances in my field outside of academic circles, through outreach activities and publications in diverse media. The most rewarding aspect of my career is contributing to train and mentor the new generation of Arctic scientists. At the end of the day, I hope that my research can help to preserve Arctic ecosystems for the well-being of people living in the Arctic.

What’s your message to the world?

There are loads of competent women in polar science, at all levels. Addressing gender bias and other factors behind the leaky pipeline should be a priority for the polar science community. Believe in your competence, believe in other women’s competence, and be absolutely convinced that science would be better served by closing gender gaps in senior ranks.