1. Harassment in the field. A discussion of changes to field logistics in the context of the #MeToo movement and recent allegations of harassment in the McMurdo Dry Valleys. This would focus on what to do as a member of a field team or a team leader if you witness harassment, helpful best practices to avoid it in the first place, and systemic changes needed within polar science organizations. Potential guest speakers could include Robin Bell (confirmed), professor at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Dawn Sumner, professor at UC Davis, or Tracy Sheeley, logistics coordinator for CPS Kanger Operations.
2. Houston Can You Hear Me? A discussion of how to initiate and facilitate public outreach while doing fieldwork in remote locations. This includes how to maintain a blog/vlog from the field and how to interact with teachers from the field. Potential speakers could include Janet Warburton the PI for PolarTrec, Allen Pope from the popular twitter page PopePolar, Peter West the Polar Outreach Program Manager for NSF, and Lorien Reese Mahay from the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science.
3. Proposal and Grant Writing. A discussion on how to approach writing a proposal or grant application as an early career scientist covering topics such as productive writing strategies, helpful dos and don’ts when approaching writing, and how to find hidden grants you may be eligible for. Possible speakers include Angelika Hofmann, author of Science Writing and Communication or Simon N. Stephenson, the section head for the NSF Arctic Polar Programs.
4. Mentor Malpractice. Discussion on ways to foster a productive mentor-mentee relationship including how to create a positive work environment as someone just taking on students for a lab group and how to deal with tough advisers. This would include discussion on how to prevent bullying and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. Potential speakers could include Sarah Das (WHOI), Diane McKnight (Boulder), or Asa Rennermalm (Rutgers).
5. B*%$h Better Have My Money. A discussion of how to recognize when you’re being underpaid or under-cited as a polar researcher and how to ask for a raise/credit. Included would be discussion on how to establish financial transparency, how to work with unions, and how to ensure you’re not being overshadowed. Speakers could include Rhys Archer, editor for Women of Science, Linda Babcock author of Women Don’t Ask, or Susan John chair of NAPFA
6. Prayer at the Poles. Discussion of how to navigate being a religious polar scientist. This would include how to go about prayer, religious diets, and practices in the field, how to address questions, and how to find other religious scientists. Possible speakers could include Katharine Hayhoe, science communicator or David Ainley, Antarctic scientist.
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