Kristen B. Gorman

SFS Program: Australia, Fall '94

Education: Dickinson College, B.S. in Biology; Simon Fraser University, M.Sc. in Biology; Simon Fraser University, Ph.D. in Biology anticipated start May 2008

Current Research Project: Studying the effects of environmental variability driven by regional climate warming on the reproductive success and survival of pygoscelis penguins

Why did you choose to participate in an SFS program?

I learned about SFS through my home undergraduate institution, Dickinson College. I was excited about the opportunity to conduct hands-on ecological research as part of my undergraduate training. SFS provided me with an incredible introduction to field ecology and stimulated me to find other field research opportunities in the U.S. and abroad upon finishing my B.S. degree. I have since worked on many avian ecology projects with the Student Conservation Association, The University of Wisconsin at Madison, Oregon State University, Simon Fraser University and the Alaska Science Center-USGS, and most currently the U.S. Antarctic Program at Palmer Station, Antarctica.

What did you gain from your SFS experience?

My SFS experience was marked by the confidence I built in myself, as well as the long-lasting friendships. In fact, I am still regularly in contact with several people who were on my program. I gained an incredible amount of confidence in interacting and working with new people, as well as conducting science. In addition, I think working with SFS instructors encouraged critical and independent thinking, a tremendously important skill that every young person in the U.S. should be developing.

Tell me more about your current work.

I am currently a graduate research assistant working on a Ph.D. with the Palmer Long-Term Ecological Research (PAL-LTER) program at Palmer Station in Antarctica. I study the effects of environmental variability driven by regional climate warming on the reproductive success and survival of pygoscelis penguins. During the field season in Antarctica, from November to February, we conducted field studies on the breeding and foraging ecology of adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins. In the off-season, we conduct lab-work on samples collected during the field season, work on statistical analyses, and attend conferences to facilitate discussion with colleagues.

Is it "who you know" or "what you know" in your field?

Actually it is both. I cannot stress enough the importance of working for scientists in the field to stimulate collaborations and develop your research ideas. However, proper graduate study is imperative for developing your own knowledge base and gaining the skills to become a contributing professional.

What advice do you have for other SFS alumni looking to get into your field? 

The two most essential skills that got me to this position have been hard work and committing myself to learning from everyone, particularly those who had more experience than me. To become a research scientist you must have an incredible work ethic, perseverance, and very importantly, find a graduate mentor who is a leader in the field who will develop and challenge your thinking and writing.