May 10, 2008 

Photojournalist Christian Morel making me look scientific: Photo by Chris FullerOne of the things that didn’t occur to was that the interest of Canadians about the Arctic required science journalists, documentarians, and photographers to pass along what we are doing up here. A bit naïve on my part…I mean, where did I think all of the pictures and T.V. series about the Arctic came from? Being up here and giving interviews, being filmed, and having your picture taken in the midst of doing science feels a bit strange. I walk around Calgary, going about my business, and nobody stops and asks me about my work.

We are on the move again after refueling and getting supplies. We’ve taken on two new media passengers. During my first stay on the ship in 2004 there was a CBC crew filming a miniseries-documentary about the state of the Arctic, the science being done and scientists doing the work. I’m told I’m in large portion of one of the one-hour episodes, although I haven’t yet seen it. I’m also told that I was in the footage that was used at the introduction and official start of the CFL project in which I’m currently involved; unfortunately I haven’t seen that footage either.

There are generally 2 spots reserved for journalists and/or media people per leg (3 to 6 week period) - professionals from all over the world - who want to pass on what we are doing to the public. Although it does feel a bit unusual, it’s not in a bad way. I’m happy and a bit flattered that people want to know. It gives a sense of doing something that is important and valuable to people; a bit of a sense of accomplishment, even if I haven’t seen many of my own contributions. In the interest of turning the tables, I thought I’d put the spotlight on the people who convey the message of the work that we are doing. Thank you for presenting a glimpse of our work and a life of science in the Arctic.

-Chris Fuller