MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOING RESEARCH IN ANTARCTICA IS... "The challenge! The work we do with seals is only a small part of what we plan for each day. For example, we also think about how to travel across shifting ice, operate our equipment in the extreme cold, stay warm, and keep ourselves safe."
MY BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN SCIENCE IS... "Ask questions - Share your thoughts but be open minded! The best scientists love their work because they challenge themselves as well as others, by asking questions about the world. They serve as a positive influence in the scientific community by equally sharing and listening to others in order to solve life's most challenging questions."
John Skinner talks about why he enjoys being a biologist. (0:36)
The reason I am a biologist is because you get to see animals in their environment, in this case really extreme conditions that are so unsuitable for us. It's amazing to feel, when you're working with these animals, so inferior. You know, I couldn't last out there a day without the support that we have doing the work that we do. Whereas these animals, they lie out there like they're on a sunny beach somewhere and I think that's the most incredible part of it for me is seeing the animals where they excel and where they are happiest.