​Hello! After my winter semester research course I’ve been so excited to start a summer project here
with Natalya’s team. My research has consisted of working with Dave Purnell to improve instruments
measuring water level. This uses of GNSS-Reflectometry, which relies on ground receivers (the same
kind you might use for your car’s GPS) measuring direct signals from GNSS satellites against signals that have been reflected by some surface, like a body of water. To keep costs down but improve accuracy, multiple cheaper receivers can be placed together and used to take the same measurement, reducing unwanted error.

For me, this means a lot of field work around Montreal! Most sunny days from the past couple weeks have been spent on either Ile St. Helene or at La Fontaine Park. Here, I set up arrays of GNSS receivers and vary their orientation and separation from each other, then I measure the signal strength to decide if this has impacted accuracy. 

Ile St. Helene has, in addition to the biodome and La Ronde, a series of trails across the island. On the southern tip there’s a lookout point with an unobstructed view of the St. Lawrence River, which makes it perfect for testing. Lots of groundhogs and red wing blackbirds stop by to keep me company, including one bird I was able to catch perched on a support pole. 

​In contrast to the tranquility of Ile St. Helene, the canal in La Fontaine Park is bustling with activity. Many people may walk and stand in front of the receivers, but this has not significantly impacted measurement signal strength. I have gotten the chance to answer questions from people walking by, which has been a great opportunity to practice explaining my project and discuss the applications. Don’t worry, there are still creatures to keep me company here too, in the form of duck families who live on the pond.
Natalie

devices:( Nonetheless, we were able to service the GNSS station and leave it in working-condition, which is a win.

​​We had great weather while on the boat – clear skies and smooth waters for almost the whole trip. I also had the opportunity to stare at icebergs for long periods of time. They were incredibly beautiful. It was also quite humbling to be near chunks of ice weighing as much as my house. Although, despite their enormity, they are surprisingly quiet as they float along - I wish I were that graceful.

I think that sums up our time on the Jensen. On June 8th we returned to land and said goodbye to the crew who were departing on their next journey the following day. Now Dave and I are looking forward to having bit of time in Ilulissat before he leaves and before I head to the next site. I will let you know what we get up to!

Izzy

It’s been a while since the last post, but we’re currently writing to you safe at home in Montreal! We essentially lost track of time with all our activities in port and onboard the second leg. 

We had an absolutely packed schedule in Jamaica, filled with outreach onboard Lehmkuhl and onshore, visits to the University of the West Indies Mona campus and marine research lab, and some exploration of the local cuisine thanks to our two new friends and colleagues, sea level scientist Deron Maitland and marine biologist Chauntelle Parkins, who joined the One Ocean course from UWI. ​

In Havana, we again had the pleasure of doing outreach work with local high school students coming onboard. We had the added difficulty of having to present in Spanish this time but everyone, Spanish speaker or not, did an excellent job preparing for this challenge and the students surprised us with how much they already knew about the changing ocean conditions. The students were very vocal and interested, giving us hope for the future of the environment. The rest of the time was spent finalizing our research projects, reflecting on our contributions throughout the course, and enjoying salsa music and a couple of well deserved drinks. As per usual before travelling, we spent some time running around trying to get a PCR test for our return to Canada and while there may have been some tears, we all promptly received our negative test results. ​

It was hard to say goodbye to all our newfound friends and colleagues in the end but we feel certain we will meet again and hopefully continue collaborating. We have learned that science is enriched by a diversity of backgrounds and that even though some projects may seem daunting, they are worthwhile and most likely to help us grow professionally and personally.

​-Jeremy and Julia

We just arrived in Port Royal and what a journey it was. We had a packed schedule every day and definitely had to adjust to being in the heat and humidity of the Caribbean, a wild but welcome change from Canadian autumnal weather. Jeremy immediately got sunburnt and Julia got seasick, but it feels like we started sailing forever ago and we’re certainly adjusted to life onboard at this point. It has been incredible to speak with so many brilliant scientists from around the world while we sail. Most fulfilling has been practicing giving our talks and lectures to other sailors on the ship, speaking with them about climate science, and discussing their fantastic questions. Most of the day is spent working on field measurements and analysis with our working groups, or performing tasks around the ship. Jeremy’s favourite ship-related jobs are those that involve climbing the rigging while Julia’s been her happiest telling people how to take proper field notes in those Rite in the Rains notebooks (thanks Christie Rowe)! We are currently docked in Port Royal, preparing our talks for the crew tonight and for local high school students tomorrow. We’re looking forward to a fantastic five days of climate outreach in Jamaica! 

Jeremy  and Julia​

As with any adventures, the young heroes were submitted to a multitude of tests of strength and resourcefulness. It’s just not as fun when you are those heroes and running around the Toronto airport. From Jeremy getting caught between terminal train doors and Julia chugging 2L of water to get through security, to swapping out COVID test requirements and having to fill out yet ANOTHER form, we have been put through the wringer and come out victorious; we are finally boarded and en route. 

After several weeks (or let’s be honest, months!) of applying for university approval and a whirlwind of packing and prepping this past week, it feels a bit surreal to actually be on our way. We’re so incredibly excited to board the Statsraad Lehmkuhl and meet the members of working research groups and the crew. As any mad scientists, we are ready to let our minds run with the crucial climate data we will collect at sea. 

Stay tuned to see if we prove the existence of mermaids and the kraken! 
Jeremy and Julia

Packing and prepping for this journey, especially during a global pandemic, has been no small feat!   Imagining three weeks as a sailing scientist on a tall ship in the tropics is already a lot to take in from the crisp fall weather in Montreal, even without considering the pandemic.  We need to make sure we have the right gear for staying comfortable working on deck most of the day and sleeping in hammocks side-by-side at night, the equipment to conduct our research and take oceanographic measurements on board, and the right paperwork to cross borders and board.  With no wifi or cell service on board, we will be bringing all our course content and outreach and research project materials with us. There have also been many extra, much-needed covid-19 safety protocols to consider, and given this will be our first big journey since March 2020, we are all feeling a bit out of practice on travel.  

But despite all that, and with the urgent need for climate action as motivation, we are now all packed and ready to go!

For me - especially in the midst of COP26 and with the weight of travel on our shoulders during both global climate and health crises - the responsibility to make the most of this unique opportunity that brings together international perspectives, interdisciplinary expertise and a life-changing learning environment to have a lasting impact on the future of our planet is at the forefront of my mind.