Meet Chris Linder
Chris Linder
Research Associate, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Chris is the Live from the Poles project manager. He will be photographing the field work and coordinating the live calls to the museums. Chris is a nationally published, exhibiting photographer and author. For information visit his website.
What is my role in the expedition?
In addition to taking thousands of photos, I am the principal investigator for Live from the Poles / Polar Discovery. That means I keep everything coordinated and on schedule.
Why do I do what I do?
Science fieldwork, especially polar science fieldwork, is fun and exciting, but not everyone knows that. It’s my job to show, using photos, how researchers get to these remote places and conduct their experiments. Essentially, I tell their stories.
Where did I grow up?
I grew up about as far from the ocean as you can get, in southeastern Wisconsin. When I was young I developed a fascination for the ocean and studied oceanography in college and graduate school.
What were my favorite and least favorite things about school?
I was a geeky kid in high school and still am. I love learning new things and wish I could stay in school my whole life.
The International Polar Year has started!
On March 1, 2007, Chris Linder spoke with the New England Cable News station from the Museum of Science in Boston to discuss the International Polar Year (IPY) and Polar Discovery.
More about Chris, in his own words...
Role in the expedition:
I take pictures of the scientists working so that you can see what it is like up here. I also coordinate the live talks with the museums.
Favorite food when in the Arctic:
My pockets are always stuffed with Clif Bars. When I’m out in the cold I’m always hungry!
Why I do what I do:
I love showing others what they may never get the chance to see themselves. The polar regions are hauntingly beautiful places and the research being conducted there is of critical importance to the future of our planet. My goal is to get the public excited about the science, to spark an interest in learning more.
Where I grew up:
The land of corn & cows—Hartland, Wisconsin
Least favorite class in school:
The class that scared me most was speech class. I was terrified of speaking in front of people, and still get the jitters today.
