Irene R. Schloss, PhD

What’s the work that you do?

My research focuses on plankton in polar and subpolar marine ecosystems. I’m trying to understand their dynamics and response to global change. Fieldwork, experimental approaches and modelling are all tools I use in my work. As a researcher, I work together with students I supervise as well as with early career scientists and many colleagues, trying to build empathic and cooperative teamwork.

What keeps you going?

There is a sense of urgency in my job as a marine polar scientist working on the effects of climate change. From the time between my first and my most recent visit to Antarctica, I could see glaciers retreating in front of my eyes. Witnessing this, while being able to study, teach and tell the world about these systems, and contribute to understand them is a major drive in my life. It is a diverse job, from the planning and execution of field cruises, to data analysis and outreach and publication of the results; I love every aspect of it.

What’s your message to the world?

I believe all life forms are related, and related to this planet. This includes us, the human beings. What happens to any environment, to any living organism, matters, so let’s take care, be compassionate, understand, and specially protect the most fragile systems, such as polar environments and their organisms.