Personal Projects
The ReQuest Team Members will each undertake an Antarctic Research Project and present their results in different formats on their return.
CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS – LUCY
Offsetting the carbon footprint of our journey by educating Scouts and Guides about climate change (particularly in relation to Antarctica). This includes designing a ‘Stop Climate Change’ challenge badge and an associated activity website (ClimateQuest). She is also running climate meetings.
Research Project Summary: Offsetting the carbon footprint of our journey by educating Scouts and Guides about climate change.
Mentorship/Network: Kent Wildlife Trust; Met Office
PHYSIOLOGICAL EXPERIMENT -GENEVIEVE
The physical effects of different temperatures on body functions. With the help of the members of the expedition, she will be able to measure the effect of varying temperatures on lung function, heart rate / blood pressure and reactions.
Research Project Summary: Studying the physiological effects of cold temperatures on human natural bodily functions.
Mentorship/Network: Antarctic Quest 2021; Huddersfield University
3D ICEBERG SIMULATION – GEORGE
Development of photogrammetry as a novel approach for generating 3D images, using icebergs as a study object. This could result in practically functioning methodology with a wide range of uses. George also plans to develop artistic themes using the same methodology.
Research Project Summary: Using photogrammetry to map complex objects.
Mentorship/Network: St Andrew’s University; University College London
COLLABORATIVE ARTWORK – DARCEY
Darcey Holmes’s: Using the arts to explore people’s changing perceptions about Antarctica and how those changes are impacting this fragile environment and unique wildlife for the future.
Research Project Summary: Creating a series of artistic products, including a collaborative quilt, as tools to educate young people on Antarctica, its history and the effects of climate change looking forward. The aim is to convey the scientific evidence in a new way (STEAM) by encapsulating our expedition and the journey through this experience.
Mentorship/Network: Arts & Crafts Specialist; Met Office.
OCEAN CURRENTS – SAM
To communicate how changing ocean currents are important in the global climatic system
Research Project Summary: One or more Argo devices (ocean-monitoring instruments) will be deployed during the expedition. These will generate data directly into the international Argo research network. The project will show and explain how ocean currents are changing and explain why this has important global implications.
Mentorship/Network: British Antarctic Survey; Southern Ocean Argo Network.
ANTARCTIC SOUNDSCAPE – ALAN
Recording an entire “soundscape” podcast of Antarctica – the various sounds of the ship, icebergs, wildlife and weather. As well as one-to-one interviews with polar enthusiasts, participants, crew, scientists, and tourists. The project aim is to produce a complete audio record of the project.
Research Project Summary: Discovering the unique sounds of Antarctica and producing the ReQuest2021 podcast to document the entire project.
Mentorship/Network: BBC Experienced Professional
MOTION SICKNESS STUDY – CATHY
Exploring how spatial awareness is involved in motion sickness.
Research Project Summary: Spatial awareness is understood to be a factor in motion sickness. The project will assess expedition members for spatial awareness before and during the expedition, and will conduct spatial awareness training to observe its consequences for susceptibility to motion sickness.
Mentorship/Network: Warwick University
PLASTIC POLUTION ON OUR PLANET – HELEN
Info: To educate a broad audience, including Scouts about the damage that plastics and micro-plastics are doing to our environment, to outline and signpost solutions that are being considered and implemented around the world, and to present actions that we can all take as individuals.
Research Project Summary: I will describe, in accessible terms, the diverse problems caused by plastics and microplastic pollution. I will survey and summarise published information for solutions at a national and international level (policies and regulations – including taxation incentives). I will search for and present possible positive actions through which we can all make a positive difference. During the expedition itself, I will (a) make my own empirical, non-quantitative, observations of plastic pollution, with photographic recording wherever possible (b) look out for and take note of plastic policies and actions being taken locally in Ushuaia (port of embarkation, Argentina) and in Antarctica (eg at Port Lockroy), as well as and on board BARK; and (c) consult with BARK crew and staff, as to plastic policies on-board BARK and to get their views and suggestions on the broader issue of plastic in the Antarctic region. On our return, I will use various communication and delivery methods, including identifying existing educational and action resources, to ensure my message reaches as many Scouts, and people in the broader community, as possible.
Mentorship/Network: TBA
ELECTRICITY GENERATION – MATT
Carry out first-hand research on how electricity is generated and stored in the research bases on Antarctica. We all know that global warming is happening, and one of the key issues contributing to this is the way we (humans) generate and use electricity.
Research Project Summary: Determining the feasibility of using renewable energy technologies to generate electricity (& heat) in Antarctica.
Mentorship/Network: Cambridge University; EDF; Met Office
GEOMAGNETICALLY INDUCED CURRENTS – ALEX
There is much topical interest in how geomagnetically induced currents – particularly towards polar regions – have effects on electrical conductor systems such as power grids and pipelines, as well as having interactions with weather systems. The project will compare Geomagnetically Induced Currents effects on long conductor systems, and weather interactions, between the polar latitudes and in Scotland.
Research Project Summary: Exploring the effects of Geomagnetically Induced Currents as a step towards the development of predictive tools.
Mentorship/Network: Electrical engineering expert; Cambridge University; Met Office; EDF
And we do have one more Research Project by Emma Johnston although she is sadly no longer going with us to Antarctica…
EDUCATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOKS – EMMA
Using a mixture of digital art, photography and creative writing, Emma intends to create several books that children and adults can enjoy whilst also learning about the environment in Antarctica and how it is changing.
Research Project Summary: Publishing a series of books for children of all ages, telling Shackleton’s story through original art and photography.
Mentorship/Network: Polar Author
NOTE: YOU MAY ALSO WISH TO FOLLOW THE GROUP’S T.A.S.K. PROJECT AS IT DEVELOPS – THIS WILL BE A LEGACY PROJECT INITIATED BY REQUEST2021