Sienna Blanckensee

What’s the work that you do?

I am a PhD student currently working on Antarctic Bottom Water. This is water formed in Antarctica that sinks to the sea floor and drives global circulation. My research focuses on determining what criteria is needed for this water mass to form and how this might change in the future, or how it has already changed in the past. I do this by using observational data from ships, moorings, argo floats and my favourite – seals. Small sensors are attached to seals’ heads and this allows us to get data in hard-to-reach places that are integral for my research.

What keeps you going?

I have always had an interest in Antarctica as I believe it is truly a magical place. The fact that I get to contribute towards our greater understanding of the region keeps me going. I also enjoy that the more you learn about something, the more you realise what we don’t know. It’s like a big puzzle piece that many people work on together, slowly creating a clearer picture. Contributing to this greater goal is a daily inspiration.

What’s your message to the world?

Our polar regions deserve everything we can do to help, whether that be via research, policy making, science communication etc. So, get out there, meet new people, share your interests, and follow your passions.