Daniela Liggett, PhD

What’s the work that you do?

I am currently an associate professor in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Canterbury, which means that I have teaching, research and administrative duties. I am coordinating and teaching into a fairly broad spectrum of courses, from bespoke Antarctic Studies courses to Geography and Environmental Science courses. My research evolves around all facets of human engagement with the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, from governance to tourism to science operations. I am particularly interested in environmental governance and the conservation of complex socio-ecological systems. Trans-disciplinary research and science-policy connections also excite me.

What keeps you going?

I am very fortunate at having been able to collaborate and develop friendships with wonderful people in the polar community. These rewarding connections, the interesting and important subject, and the opportunity (and challenge) to contribute to capacity building in the next generation of Antarctic and Arctic scholars keep me going. Working in academia can be stressful but equally very rewarding – we are given a lot of autonomy and flexibility, which I value.

What’s your message to the world?

Appreciate life and every living organism as if your life depended on it.