Antarctica Expedition: Leading Science & Sharing Impact

Breaking Boundaries at the Bottom of the World. Support a young explorer’s 2026 expedition to Antarctica, where she’ll lead submersible science, create an immersive podcast, and share climate insights from Earth’s most remote frontier. Help turn this journey into lasting impact!

My name is Moronke Harris, and I was recently selected from hundreds of extraordinary applicants to be one of 25 female explorers to venture to the Bottom of the World—the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, Elephant Island, the Western Antarctic Peninsula, and the Polar Circle.

In February 2026, Sea Women Expeditions (SWX) will conduct 24 days of groundbreaking ocean research in Antarctica, study climate change firsthand, and inspire the next generation of STEAM leaders. But I can’t go without your help!

Why Was I Selected? And Why Do I Need Help?

I am an early-career ocean scientist and science communicator (based in Victoria, BC, Canada) with a passion for exploration, extreme environments, and fostering a sustainable blue economy. As a deep-sea explorer, I have spent 150+ days at sea researching extreme environments 1000+ meters under the sea using submersibles. I’m currently completing my graduate studies in Oceanography at the University of Victoria, and my research focuses on sustainable innovations provided by the most unexplored areas of the ocean. Learn more about me here: moronkeharris.com

I now look forward to bringing that expertise to the Antarctic. I'll be serving as Submersible Science Lead and Expedition Podcast Producer.

Here’s where the plot thickens: polar science is notoriously exclusionary and expensive. The largest hurdle most researchers and explorers face is raising funds for their aspirations. SWX has no paid employees, and volunteerism is a cornerstone of the expeditions they organize. It takes a community of generous patrons, supporters and donors to send a team of female explorers to Antarctica.

The Journey to Antarctica: 2026 Expedition

For the first time, SWX is setting its sights on the South Pole.

Antarctica’s discovery and mapping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a heroic era of exploration, led by figures like Ernest Shackleton, Robert Scott, and James Cook. While their journeys are well-documented, women were largely excluded and played little to no role for a long time.

Today, a new era of polar exploration unfolds, and the new generation of polar explorers is female.

Following in Sir Ernest Shackleton's footsteps, our team will travel to the Bottom of the World, February 14-March 10, 2026, retracing part of the route of his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-1917). With modern technology and advanced navigation tools, traveling to Antarctica is no longer perilous but remains extraordinary. As SWX volunteers, we’re driven by passion and purpose, not wages. We will navigate the icy, remote wilderness under the endless sunlight of the austral summer, and we fully expect to return safely. Unlike explorers of a century ago, who sought glory from King and country, our mission is one of stewardship. We will scout, record, and document the stark reality of climate and ocean change in this fragile region warming twice as fast as the global average.

This 21st century polar expedition is bringing together a world-class lineup of international experts across the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) fields. We’ll conduct pioneering ocean research, immersing ourselves in polar waters and participating in a unique leadership program that merges the arts and the sciences.

Sea Women Expeditions (SWX) empowers Indigenous and non-Indigenous women through hands-on ocean research, diving, and exploration in the rapidly changing polar regions. Their expeditions are inclusive, merging the arts and sciences to scout and document climate-driven changes like melting glaciers, warming seas, and shifting ecosystems. As big believers in the power of actionable science, they ensure the information collected isn't confined to academia. Since 2014, over 130 women and girls from 10+ countries have joined six Arctic expeditions, with findings reaching more than 1,000 Indigenous youth and Elders across the North.

Team members completing scientific snorkeling across the Arctic Circle off the west coast of Greenland in 2014. (Photo: Jill Heinerth. Courtesy of SWX)

The Scientific Impact

We will spend most of our time at sea, aboard a 108-meter vessel and fleet of 4 Zodiac boats, undertaking scientific research. The Western Antarctic Peninsula is a highly productive marine ecosystem has experienced extended periods of change since the1950s, in the form of 3°C warming, glacier retreat, reduction of sea-ice cover, warming of the surface ocean by 1°C, and shifts in marine populations, among others. Backed by scientific permits and in collaboration with university partners, SWX's ocean research will include sea water sampling for microplastics and genetic analysis, plankton studies, seafloor profiling, and biodiversity monitoring (whales and invertebrates). Each participant will have the chance to contribute to valuable environmental research while building lasting connections at the Bottom of the World.

My Expedition Roles

1.) ROV Submersible Science Lead

As the Submersible Science Lead, I’ll be diving into one of my favorite things: piloting remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore the incredible underwater world of the Antarctic Ocean. These submersibles will help us profile the seafloor, study biodiversity, and gather data on ocean processes in this tectonically active region. It’s an amazing opportunity to combine my love for exploration with hands-on research, and I’m excited to lead a program that will uncover new insights about this dynamic and fascinating part of our planet.

2.) Expedition Podcast Producer

I firmly believe that the work we do as scientists is much too interesting to keep to ourselves! As the Video Podcast Producer, my goal is to bring our research, discoveries, and personal experiences to life. Using in-situ interviews and rich soundscapes (think crackling sea ice heard while diving, the hum of our submersible’s propellers, symphonies of whale calls, and penguin chatter) I’ll capture the essence of our journey. This podcast will connect people to the incredible women behind this expedition and awe-inspiring polar environment, no matter where they are. By documenting our important work, I hope to spark curiosity, ignite conversations about protecting our planet, and showcase just how powerful multidisciplinary collaboration can be in tackling global challenges.

Environmental appreciation goes beyond believing that our planet is beautiful; it means finding a purposeful way to make a difference. I hope to make a tangible difference through my research and media work.

Breakdown of Expedition Costs

Total: $USD 27,830

My next expedition payment of $USD 8,000 is due June 16, 2025.

I’ll be hosting fundraising events, delivering engaging presentations, applying for grants and corporate sponsorships, saving my own wages, and reaching out to generous donors who want to support adventurous women in science!

Ways You Can Support



Your gift, no matter how small, will make a powerful impact in advancing ocean education and empowering the next generation of explorers. By supporting this effort, you’ll help fund crucial scientific research and ignite meaningful action in those who follow and experience the expedition—both above and below the surface.

Every donation makes a difference and will receive a heartfelt thank you message. No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.

Check back often and follow along on Instagram (@imaginativesci) and LinkedIn (@moronkeharris) for updates. I will be posting about expedition preparation, my deep-sea exploration experience, and interesting tidbits about the maritime history of this fascinating region!

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

I’m inviting businesses and organizations that champion exploration, innovation, and women’s leadership to become corporate sponsors. Partnering with me offers a unique opportunity to amplify your brand while advancing a mission that inspires discovery and empowers the next generation. Contact me to learn more!

How You Can Help Right Now

✅ Donate – Every contribution helps me get one step closer to Antarctica.

✅ Share – Spread the word! Share this campaign on social media, with friends, or with businesses that might want to sponsor.

✅ Sponsor – If you’re a business, let’s collaborate! Contact me to discuss partnership opportunities.

Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey to the Bottom of the World!

Science Team Members on an expedition in American Samoa (August 2024) Credit: Nova West // Ocean Exploration Trust