Rose Foster-Dyer

What’s the work that you do?

I am currently a PhD candidate studying megafauna ecology in the Ross Sea. My research uses bio-logging techniques to study foraging ecology of Weddell seals and remote sensing to assess population dynamics of emperor penguins and how they respond to environmental change. I am also applying a distribution model to investigate how the two species interact in the Ross Sea and exploring how this may change given the projected climate-induced changes in sea ice distribution and extent.

What keeps you going?

I feel incredibly lucky that I get to do what I do each day. The fieldwork was a highlight, Antarctica is more beautiful than I ever thought possible. But I also love the daily grind – reading, writing, and learning new things. My passion for marine conservation and the polar regions was why I pursued Antarctic research, and I hope to be able to contribute to meaningful research that makes a difference in the complex Antarctic conservation space. I want my baby to get the opportunity to fall in love with polar species just as I did.

What’s your message to the world?

Human-induced climate change is real. And individuals have more power than they think.