University of Tromso, Norway

APECS Past President

Growing up in the Lofoten Islands, at 68 degress north, I got infected with a polar passion early. Through my studies at different Norwegian universities, I finnished my Norwegian Masters in marine system ecology in 2003, where I focused on the effect of small-scale turbulence on bacteria and phytoplankton. For the two next years, I worked as a scientific assistant in different projects in the Norwegian Arctic, gaining field experience and understanding for polar research. In 2005, I received a university scholarship for my PhD project; investigation of the microbial loop in the ice-covered Arctic waters of Svalbard. The role of the microbial loop in the biological carbon pump and thus the overall carbon flux is yet not understood. Hopefully implementation of data from me and Lena Seuthe’s work will enhance the dissolution of the Barents Sea Ecosystem Model. Alongside my scientific interests, I am extremely interested in science policy making and outreach; truly believing that science needs to be a part of a community’s everyday agenda. At the time being, I am an elected member of the University board of the University of Tromsø and President of APECS. Through APECS I have been given the opportunity to first-hand experience international science politics and policy making. Together with APECS’ excellent international, multidisciplinary network and competance in science, education and outreach, APECS really makes a difference for me professionally. This genuine APECS combination is of great importance for me – both at present as well as in the future.