Alaska to Antarctica: An Adventure for STEAM

Hello! My name is Danielle, and I am thrilled to share I will soon be embarking on a 24-day expedition to one of our planet’s most remote and breathtaking regions. As a selected member of the Sea Women Expeditions team of 25 international explorers – experienced in the fields of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) – I am joining this expedition to contribute firsthand to polar ocean research and participate in a unique women’s leadership program merging science and the arts.

The Expedition

My journey will begin by flying from Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina, then sailing to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, Elephant Island, the Western Antarctica Peninsula, and the Polar Circle, before completing the loop across Drake Passage. For 24 days spanning February 14, 2026 to March 10, 2026, our team of scientists, historians, artists, writers, educators, journalists, and other professionals will travel through a highly productive ecosystem that has undergone recent changes in the form of warming temperatures, decreasing sea ice, and shifting marine populations. Participants will live aboard M/V Hondius and come face to face with the Southern Ocean by diving and snorkeling in support of marine research.

This extraordinary, self-funded opportunity to the Southern Ocean will be a first for me. I will draw from my experience in high northern latitudes as I travel to the same and even higher latitudes of the southern hemisphere. I look forward to learning about this incredibly unique environment that stands apart in the chronicles of history as a place of extremes, endurance, and exploration. Along the way, I intend to participate in the team’s leadership, science, policy, and education outreach committees, while learning from others talented in the arts, communication, and wellness.

Your Support

I am seeking support to cover $15,000 USD of expenses to complete this journey and contribute to the mission and goals of Sea Women Expeditions.

The cost of polar travel is steep and my decision to apply for and accept this opportunity was not done lightly. My fundraising goal is 50% of my anticipated costs to participate in the expedition. Any amount of support is greatly appreciated!

Funds will be used for travel costs and expedition fees; participation in and development of leadership, arts, and sciences programs; and necessary gear for shore excursions and snorkeling to enable in-water data collection. All funds will be used directly for the purpose of this expedition: to further our collective understanding of a remote and changing ecosystem alongside education, outreach, and teambuilding.

About Me

I am a marine environmental scientist, project manager, educator, and outdoor enthusiast living in Prince William Sound, Alaska, for nearly twenty years. I have been intrigued by the ocean since a young age, even as a girl in Pennsylvania. I have pursued three degrees culminating in a PhD in marine sciences and management from Portland State University. Along my professional journey, I have worked in academia, industry, and the non-profit sector. My work emphasizes data analysis, risk assessment, and practical implications of science for policy change. A deep appreciation for place-based research and the value of partnership building continue to shape my scientific endeavors and approach to educating. In addition, I believe strongly in collaborative network building to benefit science and society. In my spare time I am an avid hiker, harvester of wild foods, traveler, and reader. What I am most looking forward to on this expedition is the opportunity to join forces with like-minded and adventurous women on multi-disciplinary and impactful exploration.

Follow me on Instagram @danielle_walkingthewilderness for regular expedition updates.

Thank you for your support of well-wishes, sharing my page, or donating!

For more on Sea Women Expeditions:

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