Council

Council Chairs

• Daniel Meier - Switzerland

  

  My name is Daniel Meier. Throughout my professional career in industry, I have gained extensive experience that I would now like to use to give something back to both future generations and the natural environment. I actively support local initiatives focused on nature conservation and would like to expand my engagement to the international level. I firmly believe that, with the right community of committed and passionate people, we can make a meaningful difference and help reverse some of the environmental challenges we face today for the benefit of current and future generations. In particular, I have a strong personal connection to the Arctic region and a deep appreciation for the natural landscapes of the Northern Hemisphere. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to travel extensively in northern regions, both for business and leisure, exploring these areas by sailboat, bicycle, and on foot.

   

• Manuel Tobias Blau - South Korea

  Hello, my name is Manuel Blau. I am from Germany and did my Ph.D in the beautiful habor city of Busan, South Korea at the Pusan National University and the Institute of Basic Sciences, Center for Climate Physics. The research focus was on climate dynamics in mountain regions and the Arctic. More particularly, I am interested in cryosphere change and related changes in the energy budget and the atmospheric adjustment, as well as the cryosphere-atmosphere interaction. Outside the cryosphere-atmosphere research, heat extremes such as heat waves and heat stress as well as the teleconnections of tropical variability catch my attention recently. In my freetime, I like to spend time in the nature and do hiking or make a road trip to observe the weather.

   

• Moriz Steiner - United States of America

  Michigan State University & University of Alaska Fairbanks
  

   

  Moriz Steiner is a Ph.D. student in Crop and Soil Sciences in the Landscape Ecology and Ecosystem Science Lab, Center for Global Change & Earth Observations at Michigan State University, pursuing a major in Ecology and a minor in Artificial Intelligence. Originally from the mountains of northern Italy, he earned a B.Sc. in Animal Sciences from Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands and an M.Sc. in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. His interdisciplinary published research integrates Arctic ecology, wildlife conservation, remote sensing, open-access big data, and machine learning. His Arctic work has focused on small-mammal ecology and conservation in Alaska, including old-growth forest habitats, climate-change impacts, Indigenous lands, and the roles and perceptions of squirrels among Alaska Native communities. He is also a co-author of Sustainable Squirrel Conservation: A Modern Reassessment of Family Sciuridae. Moriz is a member of the Climate Crisis Commission, Small Mammal Specialist Group, and Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). He also served as a natural-site reviewer for UNESCO World Heritage applications from 2024-2026. Within the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists, Moriz is the 2026 Project Group Leader of the Polar Weeks & Antarctica Day Project Group and co-leads the Polar Earth Observation Database Project Group. Through these roles, he promotes international polar-science outreach, collaboration, and access to Earth-observation resources for early-career researchers. Moriz also serves as an ad hoc reviewer for over two dozen scientific journals, contributing expertise in ecological informatics, climate change, Arctic landscape changes, machine learning, spatial prediction, remote-sensing image processing, and species conservation and management.
   

National Committee Coordinators

• Marina Bowen - Portugal

  The Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning at the University of Lisbon (IGOT-ULisboa)
  

  I am Marina, a Geographer specialised in Biogeography, originally from the UK but now based in Portugal. I hold a Master's of Research (MRes) in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London and a Bachelor's degree in Geography from the Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning (IGOT), University of Lisbon. Currently, I am a research fellow at the Centre for Geographical Studies (CEG), IGOT, Universidade de Lisboa, where I investigate the integration of isotopic signatures into vegetation distribution models across the Antarctic Peninsula. This work builds directly on my MRes thesis, in which I developed the first regional species distribution model for the dominant vegetation species across the Peninsula. My work is at the intersection of ecological fieldwork and quantitative modelling, using hurdle models, hierarchical Bayesian frameworks, and Random Forest approaches to generate spatially explicit predictions of how Antarctic plant, lichen, and moss communities will respond to future climate scenarios, moving beyond simple presence-absence to capture the full distribution of species abundance. This research is directly informed by two field expeditions to King George Island (2025 and 2026), Antarctica. These field expeditions were funded by the Portuguese Polar Program (PROPOLAR) and in collaboration with the KOPRI and INACH. Beyond Antarctica, my interest in vegetation dynamics extends to temperate ecosystems. I have contributed field data to the Nutrient Network and BugNet projects at Imperial's Silwood Park, surveying UK grassland composition and plant traits, complemented by voluntary fieldwork at Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve in Scotland and with A Rocha in Portugal, monitoring flooding impacts on vegetation and bird communities.

• Michael Lonardi - Switzerland

  EPFL
  

  I am Michael Lonardi, an Italian meteorologist and PostDoc at the Extreme Environments Research Laboratory of EPFL, Switzerland. My research focuses on boundary layer clouds, aerosol-cloud interactions, and cloud radiative effects, combining ground-based, airborne, and satellite observations with reanalysis and radiative transfer modelling. My research focuses primarily on Antarctica, but I am still working on projects covering both the Arctic and Alpine areas. My connection to polar research started during my M.Sc. in Meteorology at Uppsala University, which included a one-year exchange at the University Centre in Svalbard. I moved to Germany to pursue my PhD, but I kept my focus on the Arctic, deploying a tethered balloon system on the sea ice for three months during MOSAiC, and then spending three months in Ny-Ålesund during and after the polar night. During my PostDoc I shifted my attention to the processes governing Antarctic clouds, organizing and leading two extensive field campaigns at Neumayer station. Besides my research, I mentor the early-career researchers of my group and support with their supervision. Outside academia, I have volunteered as a firefighter for over a decade, which taught me to trust the team and pull on everyone's strengths to find fast and practical solutions. I have been an APECS member since 2016, and have seen the network from different sides as a member in Sweden, Germany, and Italy, and now as a board member in Switzerland. This experience showed me how much National Committees could gain from connecting with one another, which is what draws me to contribute to the Council.

• Patricia Hutton - United States of America

  University of Alaska Fairbanks
  

  My name is Tricia Hutton, and I will graduate with my Master's in Earth System Science from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in August 2026 before beginning a Ph.D. in Earth System Science with a focus on atmospheric and climate science. I earned my bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Brockport, where I double majored in Meteorology and Earth Science with a minor in Physics.

  My research focuses on understanding climate change in Alaska through regional climate modeling, including rain-on-snow events, atmospheric dynamics, and high-resolution climate simulations. Along the way, I have been fortunate to gain research experience through internships, with two at NASA, one with the Mount Washington Observatory, and graduate research with the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center, while presenting my work at national and international scientific conferences.

  Leadership, mentorship, and science communication have become equally important parts of my career. I currently serve as President of the Farthest North American Meteorological Society chapter and the National Weather Association Student Recruitment Lead, where I am a part of the team who organizes the NWA Student and Early Career Conference. Through these roles, I have organized professional development events, community outreach programs, K–12 education initiatives, and partnerships connecting universities, government agencies, and local communities across Alaska.

  I have always wanted to expand my commitment to early-career scientists to the Arctic community. After several years of leadership in national organizations and outreach, I am eager to focus that experience on my passion for polar science. Attending the Arctic Science Summit Week in 2026 reinforced the importance of international partnerships in advancing Arctic research. I am passionate about helping others discover opportunities, develop professionally, and feel welcomed within the scientific community.

Social Media Coordinators

• Aina Noor - China

  Chengdu University of Technology

  I am Aina Noor, a Master's researcher in Geography at Chengdu University of Technology, China, focusing on climate change impacts on boreal ecosystems. My current research explores soil-atmosphere compound extremes and their influence on terrestrial ecosystem productivity across high-latitude regions using remote sensing, climate datasets, and geospatial approaches.

  I hold a background in Geography and Marine Science, with research experience spanning ecosystem dynamics, land surface temperature, vegetation responses, and climate-related environmental changes. My previous work has involved applying GIS, remote sensing, and machine learning approaches to understand interactions between climate variability and landscapes. I have published research as a first author and continue to develop interdisciplinary approaches to address environmental challenges.

  Coming from Pakistan and pursuing my graduate studies in China, I have experienced the importance of international scientific networks and inclusive research communities. I have participated in international training programs and Arctic-focused academic activities, where I engaged with researchers from diverse cultural and scientific backgrounds.

  I am passionate about science communication, collaboration, and creating opportunities for early-career researchers, especially those from regions with limited access to global research networks. Through the APECS Council, I hope to contribute my communication skills, creativity, and enthusiasm to strengthen connections within the polar and alpine research community.

  Beyond research, I enjoy sharing scientific opportunities, engaging with the research community, and promoting environmental awareness through digital platforms. I am excited to support APECS’ mission of building a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive network for the next generation of polar and alpine researchers.

• Agata Lowczynowska - Belarus / Poland

  Belarusian State University (BSU) / Institute of Microbiology, NASB
  

  Hello! My name is Agata Lowczynowska. I am a polar microbiologist holding a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology from Belarusian State University (BSU), where my research focused on Antarctic extremophile microbiota. As I prepare for my Ph.D. program, my academic vision centers on bridging research across both poles - combining insights from Antarctic and Arctic extremophiles to understand global microbial resilience (and hopefully contribute to the study of evolution). Beyond the laboratory, I am a dedicated science communicator and event organizer. I co-organized the national Science Festival in Minsk. It’s a major multi-disciplinary event bringing together scientists across all fields to engage the public and where my team and I led interactive workshops for over 38 000 attendees. I also served as a lead presenter for "Science in the City", showcasing young researchers to diverse audiences and I independently produce popular science content on my TikTok. I strongly believe that polar science serves as an international bridge, connecting researchers and communities across geographical and political boundaries. As a potential member of the APECS Council, I aim to leverage my background in extremophile research, event management and digital content creation to make polar science visible, inclusive and globally connected.

• Sandra Zyla - Sweden

  

  Hello everyone!

  My name is Sandra, and I currently live near Gothenburg, Sweden. I recently graduated in Geosciences from Stockholm University. I originally come from Poland, but I have lived and travelled in many places over the past decade. Before choosing my study program, I was always fascinated by the processes that shape landforms and often tried to understand them on my own before looking for scientific explanations. Interestingly, many of my ideas aligned with the professional interpretation of landscapes, which gave me the confidence to pursue a degree in Earth Science and deepen my knowledge of the Earth and its processes.

  I completed my degree with a bachelor's thesis titled *North Atlantic Climate Signals in Southwest Sweden: A Multi-Proxy Lake-Sediment Perspective from the Deglaciation (15.5–11 ka BP)*. This project broadened my understanding of the North Atlantic hydrological system and its influence on southwestern Sweden. The thesis is publicly available through Stockholm University's thesis archive.

  During my studies, I gained experience with a variety of geoscientific software and participated in engaging field trips that allowed me to explore postglacial landforms in southern Sweden. My passion for GIS continues to grow, and I enjoy taking additional courses to further develop my skills, particularly in ArcGIS Pro.

  I am excited to connect with fellow early-career scientists, contribute to the APECS community, and continue learning from researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines!

• Qi Zhang - Japan

  Polar Environment Data Science Center
  

  I am Qi Zhang, a researcher working in the field of polar science data management and community-oriented research infrastructure. My work focuses on supporting the discovery, integration, and reuse of diverse polar research information, and I am broadly interested in how digital tools, communication, and community collaboration can strengthen polar science. My connection with the polar community is not limited to research activities. I am also interested in supporting the development of inclusive and sustainable networks for early career polar researchers. Through my current involvement in APECS, I have learned how important communication is for connecting people across regions, disciplines, and career stages. Social media is often one of the first points of contact between APECS and the wider community, and I see it as an important space for sharing opportunities, highlighting activities, and making the polar early career community more visible. I am currently serving as one of the APECS Social Media Coordinators. This role has allowed me to contribute to community outreach while also learning how an international volunteer-based organisation works. In addition to regular social media activities, I have been interested in improving communication workflows and exploring how digital and AI-based tools can support more efficient coordination within the team. I would like to continue contributing to APECS by combining my background in polar data, digital tools, and community communication. I hope to support APECS as both a researcher and a community member who values clear communication, collaboration, and inclusive engagement.

   

   

Representative Coordinators

• Anirudha Mahagaonkar - India

  National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
  

  Hey! I am a postdoctoral scientist specializing in Antarctic cryosphere dynamics and ice-atmosphere interactions, currently working with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in India. My research focuses primarily on surface melt dynamics and ice-shelf stability in Dronning Maud Land, utilizing a combination of remote sensing data, climate reanalysis models, and field observations. Prior to my current role at NCPOR, I spent five years at the Norwegian Polar Institute (2020–2025), where I developed a deep appreciation for international collaboration in the polar sciences.

  Having served as the APECS Representative Coordinator for the 2025–2026 term, I am eager to continue in this role for the upcoming 2026–2027 term. Over the past year, I have focused on streamlining communication, managing ECR representative applications, and strengthening links between early-career researchers and international bodies like the Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS).

  This experience has given me a solid understanding of the organizational structure of APECS and the unique challenges faced by our working groups. If re-elected, I aim to build upon this foundation by further expanding volunteering opportunities, improving the clarity of global outreach channels, and ensuring that the diverse voices of our community are effectively represented in international polar governance. I look forward to continuing to support the APECS Council and helping early-career scientists thrive globally.

• Yuqing Luo - China

  Université Paris-Saclay, Paris France
  

  Nihao! From the rooftop of the world! I'm Yuqing Luo. I've completed my master's degree at the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences. After graduation, I worked at UNESCO, contributing to the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 and the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences 2025-2034. My research focus on ice core dating, using algorithm-assisted methods to enhance the accuracy of ice core chronologies. I applied layer identification algorithms to a dataset of Tibetan ice core proxies for comparison and synchronization. This project can take me to mountains over 5000 meters high and into storage at -20 degrees Celsius, where the joy of discovery meets the harshness of nature. Participating in the APECS International Online Conference Project Group has given me the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from around the world, building a supportive network and enhancing our collective impact on polar research. When not braving fieldwork or lab work, I enjoy traveling through the vast landscapes of East Asia, practicing photography, and on quieter days, getting lost in the pages of a good book.