July 22, 2006 - Introductions part 1, Get to know a few of us! Options

[Maggie_Kane]

Who are these people Anyway?

I thought it might be nice to highlight a few people at a time to let you know who I am who have such passion for glaciers and cold climates! I’ll start with the researchers because they are the head of the show and really incredibly talented people.

Mike Retelle is from Massachusetts and loves the Red Sox. A lot. He is passionate about the sport of hockey and can find a hockey analogy to anything. Mike is a professor at Bates College in Maine but spent most of his studies at University of Massachusetts in Amherst before going to Maine. He has been studying paleoclimate and glacial features for 25 years all over the Arctic, in such places as Elsmere and Baffin Island as well as Svalbard. He is very funny and has some great stories that really brighten the moment on a hard hike or wet day. He is a very level headed and modest guy and knows how to make a good decision. Mike is a great leader and all the students really look up to him.

Mike Retelle


Al grew up in the Midwest and loves tractors. Al needs coffee in the morning to get going, but once he is moving, he just won’t stop! He is incredibly enthusiastic about geology and is thoroughly engrossed in this project. Al is a very fast hiker and loves to sing ridiculous songs and say goofy things. He studied at University of Colorado in Boulder and clearly loves to teach. Al is really soft hearted and in tune with the students, wanting to know how each one is doing and to hear out their ideas and theories. He treats each piece of the research as a mini mystery and inspires the group to question what they are seeing. Oh, yeah, he really loves chocolate too!

Al Werner


Now for the student! Each one was carefully chosen as one of the best and the brightest, and they are incredible. Each one brings with them a strong background in geology, a ton of enthusiasm and drive to understand. They are also incredibly fit and strong and willing to help make the project work in every way.

Leif Anderson is from Bremerton, Washington and is a very friendly, open person. He attends Montana State University in Bozeman and loves the outside. He is really easy going and enjoys a good laugh but also focuses on his project and is very passionate about getting good work done. He likes to do competitive orienteering, hiking, skiing, fly fishing and says he loves to study. He is from a big active family and is really fun to hike with. His favorite movies at the moment are “American Beauty” and “Garden State” and loves the book “Banner in the Sky” about climbing the Matterhorn.

Leif


Heather Stewart has lived in England, Bellevue, Nebraska and Dayton, Ohio and her folks now live in Alaska. She goes to University of Dayton and plans to go to graduate school right away – she loves school! She likes to rock climb, trail run, bike, camp and backpack. She is really tough but loves to smile and is game for anything and is a friend to all. She is really into GIS computer modeling and is a real leader in computers for the group. Her favorite book and movie is “To Kill a Mockingbird”.

Heather


Eric Helfich is from Uxbridge, Massachusetts and attends University of Massachusetts and currently lives in Sunderland. He loves skiing, running, rock climbing and backpacking. He really wants to work on the glacier and is dying to get up there! His favorite book is “Cosmos” and he really likes the movie “Hero”. Eric is a go-getter and hopes to study at INSTAAR in Colorado after he graduates. He speaks really well for the group and is really fair and diplomatic.

Eric


Well, back to work! There are 6 more of us to highlight in the coming days.