Northampton to Antarctica: Local scientist selected for an all-female expedition frozen south

An all-female expedition has chosen a Northampton scientist to take to the southern-most point of the earth.
Intrepid Maddie Brasier is one of a handful of people from around the world selected to take part in an upcoming expedition to Antarctica.Intrepid Maddie Brasier is one of a handful of people from around the world selected to take part in an upcoming expedition to Antarctica.
Intrepid Maddie Brasier is one of a handful of people from around the world selected to take part in an upcoming expedition to Antarctica.

Intrepid Maddie Brasier is one of a handful of people from around the world selected to take part in an upcoming expedition to Antarctica.

But in order for Northampton-born Maddie to achieve her dream, she needs to raise $20,000 for the American-led expedition - about £16,158.

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The scientist is studying life on Antarctica's seafloor as part of her PhD, which she says is suffering from rapid, human-driven climate change.

Maddie Brasier has been researching sea life in some of the coldest reaches of the globe.Maddie Brasier has been researching sea life in some of the coldest reaches of the globe.
Maddie Brasier has been researching sea life in some of the coldest reaches of the globe.

She said: "The more I learn about Antarctica and our impact on the environment, the more I want to protect it for future generations."

The Homeward Bound project is a "state-of-the-art leadership and strategic program dedicated only for women in science."

The scheme aims to try and close the gender gap in top science positions.

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"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to develop myself as a scientist and a leader," she said. "I have previous field experience, but the type of training Homeward Bound provides – leadership, confidence and innovation – is invaluable to any woman progressing in the scientific arena.

Maddie needs to raise 10,000 to go on the expedition.Maddie needs to raise 10,000 to go on the expedition.
Maddie needs to raise 10,000 to go on the expedition.

"I am one of the youngest participants of Homeward Bound and therefore for me to access such an opportunity at this early career stage is quite unique and has the potential to hugely influence my professional and personal development."

Maddie has so far raised close to $1,000, but she is hoping to reach the total by October. She promises to share photos, do presentations for local schools, and blog about her expedition during her research as part of her her fundraising.

Maddie said: "The journey for me has only just begun. I will keep you updated about my progress in the build up to, during and following the 2018 Homeward Bound expedition through Twitter (@madsbrasier), blogging and press releases."

For more information, or to donate, visit her sponsorship page HERE.