Dr. Ian Hogg
Principal Investigator/Biologist
Where do you call home, and what is your nationality?
I live in Hamilton, New Zealand, although I am originally from Toronto, Canada
What made you decide to“get into science”? Was there a person or event that helped you with your decision?
I had a really great high school biology teacher (Mrs Mahabir), who really encouraged my interests in science and biology in particular. It definitely became my favourite subject.
What is your background, how/what did you do to get to where you are today?
After high school, I attended the University of Toronto (Canada), and then on to the University of Canberra (Australia) to complete a Masters degree. I returned to Toronto to complete a PhD. Following this, I worked for two years in Montreal (Canada) at the Centre Saint-Laurent of Environment Canada as a biologist doing research on the St Lawrence River. All of the field experience gained during this time has certainly come in handy for the Antarctic work. After Montreal, I moved to the University of Waikato (New Zealand) and have worked in the Antarctic for the past 12 years.
What is your role in this ‘08/’09 summer Dry Valleys research project?
I am studying terrestrial invertebrates like the springtails, as well as mites and nematodes. Surprisingly, the springtails (<1mm) are among the largest year-round terrestrial animals in this part of Antarctica and are an important component of the Antarctic ecosystem.
What do you hope to find out and how will this make a difference to school children of the future?
We hope to find what allows animals to live in certain locations (and not others), and how they are able to move from one habitat to another. Our hope is that this information will allow us to protect sensitive areas where the animals live. This information will help to minimize the effects of human disturbances and environmental changes such as global warming on Antarctica’s unique terrestrial ecosystems. |
