Sarah McFadden, permafrost expert

I find that time escapes me all too easily this time of year. This week has been no different and has flown by... largely due to my excitement in anticipation our second event. Tomorrow Jacqueline Hung and Sarah McFadden will be sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with two classrooms at Brookfield High School. Jacqueline and Sarah have been in Ottawa this week attending ArcticNet and I am delighted that they have decided to engage with local students through Conference2Classroom while they are there.

Last week I introduced you to Jacqueline, and this week it is time to get to know Sarah better. Sarah is a permafrost researcher who studies climate change induced landscape changes in Nunavut, focusing on the relationship between subsurface water and land surface movement.

You can also follow Sarah on LinkedIn.

Who are you and what do you do?

I am a permafrost researcher investigating how landscapes in the Canadian High Arctic are changing in response to climate warming. I focus on studying hydrology and land surface change through field-based research.

How did you get here?

I have always had a passion for being outdoors, travelling, and learning about science. My background is in geology as I loved that this field gave me the opportunity to combine all of these areas. While in geology I was exposed to arctic research and realized an unexplored passion of mine. Geography offered a unique multi-disciplinary approach to researching with the chance to travel to and work in the Arctic.

What are you working on now?

I am researching the interconnection between what we see on the surface in High Arctic landscapes and what is going on in the subsurface. I study the connection between water and land surface and am trying to better understand how the landscapes and ground surfaces in the Arctic will change in the future.

Why is your work important?

My work will help predict how future water supplies in the Arctic will change with ground ice and permafrost thaw, which has implications for the global sea level. It also provides a better understanding of how to predict which areas will be most susceptible to future warming.

What advice would you give to a budding permafrost researcher?

I would say to follow your passions. If you have a passion for Arctic research, follow it and pursue your dreams. I would advise you to reach out and talk to people about what exactly arctic research looks like and the many possibilities that go along with it and get involved wherever you can!