Name - Josh Scarrow
Position – MSc Student
Nationality/where you work – New Zealand

Number of Seasons on the ice – one month (2010/2011) in Central Trans-Antarctic Mountains, currently en route to the Prince Charles Mountains (Australian Territory) for five months (2011/2012)

100 words about your scientific interest

Microbial ecology in terrestrial Antarctic ecosystems. Whether or not biogeographical patterns are present in the distribution of soil microbes in the world’s southernmost soils. Geochemical factors determining microbial diversity and distribution in these systems.
Biotic interactions (e.g. – trophic transfers) between community members. The role of these microbes in nutrient cycling (and other ecosystem processes) within these soils.

100 words about what you do for ICTAR

Recon level soil characteristation and mapping in the Beardmore Glacier region of the Central Trans-Antarctic Mountains under Dr. Megan Balks, and determining soil-landscape relationships within this area. Characterisation of microbial communities within these soils (including the southernmost exposed soil on the planet, Mount Howe), and the determination of environmental drivers determining diversity and distribution of these communities under Prof. Craig Cary. Presently working as a field Researcher for Dr. Mark Stevens (South Australia Museum), engaging in a biocomplexity survey (similar to NZTABS) of the Prince Charles Mountains. This is a five month long intensive expedition, I am currently on board the Aurora Australis at time of writing (24th October, 2011).

Contact information:
Your email address – jws12@waikato.ac.nz
Mailing address- N/A
Phone number- N/A