Evelyng Peña Chávez, MSc

What’s the work that you do?

I am a geologist specializing in permafrost, cryospheric processes, and climate‑related geological hazards. My research focuses on analyzing high‑resolution environmental data from King George Island, Antarctica, to understand soil thermal dynamics, active layer behavior, and the factors controlling permafrost stability. I integrate environmental sensors, GIS, and geospatial time‑series analysis to compare Antarctic permafrost with tropical high‑mountain cryospheric systems such as the Quelccaya Ice Cap in Peru. My work aims to improve scientific knowledge of climate‑sensitive frozen ground and strengthen the connection between polar science and vulnerable Andean communities.

What keeps you going?

What keeps me going is the privilege of contributing to science that protects both polar and mountain environments. I’m driven by curiosity, the challenge of understanding fragile cryospheric systems, and the responsibility of generating knowledge that can help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change. Working in Antarctica inspired me deeply—the silence, the extremes, and the sense of purpose remind me why this work matters. I continue because each dataset, each field observation, and each discovery strengthens the connection between science, society, and the urgent need to protect our changing planet.

What’s your message to the world?

The cryosphere is a reminder that our planet is alive, vulnerable, and deeply interconnected. From Antarctica to the high Andes, frozen landscapes hold the stories of our past and warnings for our future. My message to the world is simple: listen to what the ice is telling us. Protecting these remote places is not just a scientific duty—it is an act of love for the generations who will inherit the planet we shape today. Every action matters. Every choice echoes. And even the smallest voice can inspire change when it speaks from truth and purpose.