DESPITE hating the cold senior research scientist Nerida Wilson has visited Antarctica seven times and is now promoting the Antarctic-themed Night at the Museum at Fremantle’s WA Maritime Museum.
The event will raise money for Foundation for the WA Museum’s Discovery Endowment Fund on Friday June 22.
Dr Wilson said she was never one of those people who dreamed about going to Antarctica.
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READ NOW“When I was young I would have been voted least likely to go there,” she said.
“All the trips are based on a ship moving from place to place sampling the sea floor, collecting animals to get their DNA.
“I love the moment when a sample comes up from deck and we don’t know what the animals are, they are treasures from the ocean.”
The senior researcher said she was interested in trying to understand the different types of biodiversity in Antarctica.
“One of the things we are trying to understand are the areas where animals have high genetic diversity so they can adapt to future changes,” she said.
“Science works in very small incremental steps and I always want to contribute my knowledge.”
The Cottesloe resident said she has had many memories from her trips.
“On my most recent trip I was able to see the Aurora Australis which was really special,” she said.
“I sometimes visit people at the stations and one night even stayed the night after bad weather prevented me from going back to the ship.
“I have seen a lot of penguins, they are very cute but I love creatures without back bones.”
The ‘icy’ Night at the Museum will include canapes, a raffle and high-end live auction including the ever-popular opportunity to name a newly identified species.
WHAT: Night at the Museum WHEN: Friday June 22 WHERE: WA Maritime Museum TICKETS: antarcticanight.eventbrite.com.au
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