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As well as the obvious motivation of wanting to provide data to sea ice researchers, Lauren and Alex hope that this endeavour will demonstrate that science projects can be run by the on board expedition staff in such a way that they add value to the tour program and to the experience of guests. Hopefully this will inspire companies to pursue creating similar projects, and inspire expedition staff to be a part of them. The consequent increased communication between professionals in polar tourism and science should be of great benefit to both communities and it is also hoped that it will inspire adventurous travellers, and give them a feeling of connection with the Arctic, having helped collect valuable scientific data and been more than 'just a
visitor.’
The project’s website can be found at the address below, and both Lauren and Alex are open to being contacted by anyone seeking further information or who would like to offer their advice or support: www.polarcollective.org
Lauren Farmer and Alex Cowan
Lauren Farmer is a polar expedition photographer and assistant expedition leader. She spends half the year working on expedition ships in Antarctica and the Arctic. When she's not on the ice, she works as a Digital Strategist in New York City. Alex Cowan is trained as a geologist and used to work as a researcher in at Cambridge University. Today, he lives wherever his tent is, and works in polar regions as a geologist and expedition leader. Together they will be working as Expedition Staff on board nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 let Pobedy and are proud members of The Explorers Club.
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