kangia outreach day
On June 13, 2013, four New York University Abu Dhabi students with their two professors, field researchers Denise and David Holland, took a break from their research trip to warmly welcomed five bright students from the Scool of Mathias Storch and the Ilulissat Icefjord Management staff in a local outreach program. The high school group met early in the morning at the Arctic Hotel to hear specially prepared lectures from the professors, the NYU students, and the Ilulissat Icefjord management. The topics covered a wide range from icefjord research, to college life, to linear algebra. After the lectures, the group went outside to enjoy the sunshine and some team building activities. I thoroughly enjoyed working and interacting as a team with people from all over the world. The group was a true testament to the bridging of cultures and understanding between different nationalities with people representing Mexico, Slovenia, Romania, China, America, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and of course, Greenland.
After a lovely lunch in the Arctic Hotel restaurant, the group headed out for a helicopter tour of the icefjord. I was graciously invited as a representative of the Ilulissat Icefjord management office. Thirteen of us squeezed into the chopper and eagerly awaited take-off. As we soured over the mountains, ice, and water, everyone crammed into the windows to enjoy the magnificent scenery and snap pictures. I was floored by the ice giants, the pristine mountains, and the arctic water that rolled beneath us. Immediately upon landing at the calving front, the three high school boys ran into the wild to explore. The others wandered the site and stood in awe of the amazing phenomenon, hoping to see and hear large ice bergs calve off the wall. Denise took some time to explain their equipment set up there to monitor and collect data on the icefjord.
After two more helicopter stops, one to a stunning waterfall of melting ice, we were sadly on our flight back to the airport. The whole chopper was full of laughter and smiles after a long day of intercultural interaction and exploration of the beautiful landscape of the Ilulissat Icefjord. As a lucky participant of the event, I can quite honestly say it was a wonderful experience of learning, engagement, and fun; I think it would be safe to assume the others would agree.
Jennifer Bulley
