Tyler Cruickshank

In 1995, I earned a geology degree from the University of Maine. While in Maine I focused my studies on glacial geology and climate change. After graduating, I headed for the field; I spent 2 months in the mountains of Idaho learning field geology methods and then traveled to the Dry Valleys region of the Trans-Antarctic Mountains with researchers from the University of Maine and Boston University. Our objectives were to investigate two climate-related issues: 1) Date ancient lake levels within the Dry Valleys region and 2) Determine the climatic conditions at the time of development of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.

After my time in Antarctica, I moved to Rapid City, South Dakota to pursue a Masters degree in atmospheric sciences. My research involved modeling snowmelt hydrology in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. While in Rapid City, I worked as television meteorologist for KOTA TV (ABC), in Rapid City. As a KOTA meteorologist I prepared and broadcast weather forecasts for 4 states.

Recently, I left South Dakota and the TV station to join the Climate Change Research Center at the University of New Hampshire to pursue a doctorate degree in geochemical systems and climate change. My research will use the chemistry contained in the snow and ice of West Antarctica to reconstruct atmospheric circulation and weather patterns near West Antarctica for the last 200 years. I am excited to have the opportunity to use my diverse science background to help solve the mystery of climate change.

What do I do when I'm not studying? Plenty! I have been a competitive mountain bike racer for two years; a rock and ice climber, a mountaineer, and I especially love to ski. I believe that everyone should go outside and explore! Even when I'm outdoors, I learn a lot about the earth system that I study in the office!

So, why do I want to go down to the ice? Because I love mountains, glaciers, snow, harsh environments, and the study of the earth and its changing climate.

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