Cryosphere, Oceanography, Sea ice Biogeochemistry, Sea ice Field Techniques

Riesna R. Audh, Research Coordinator: Polar Lab Integrated Facility at the South African Polar Research Infrastructure

I am a Research Coordinator of the Polar Lab Facility at the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), with a strong foundation in polar oceanography and a deep passion for Antarctica. My work has focused on developing field protocols for South African sea ice research and advancing our understanding of the polar regions through my PhD research on the biogeochemistry of sea ice in the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone.

I am committed to making science accessible and inclusive, ensuring that polar research is showcased to both scientific and general audiences. Collaboration across institutions and disciplines is key to the future of polar research, and I believe that fostering accessibility, inclusivity, and visibility is essential to growing this field and inspiring the next generation of polar scientists.

When I’m not coring sea ice or sailing through the Southern Ocean, I’m drinking tea and crocheting at home with my two cats, Basil and Ecco.

More about my research focus

My research focuses on sea ice biogeochemistry in the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone (AMIZ) within the broader field of polar oceanography. I have a strong background in the development and implementation of protocols for sea ice sampling, processing, and analysis, ensuring high-quality data collection under challenging conditions – I am particularly skilled at sea ice coring, with over 250 sea ice cores collected during my postgraduate research. My work has contributed to advancing South Africa’s sea ice research capabilities and improving methodologies for studying biogeochemical processes in polar environments.

In addition to fieldwork, I have expertise in data management and visualization, with a particular proficiency in using Python to handle large datasets and produce insightful visual analyses. This skill set is critical for understanding the complex interactions within the sea ice environment and for communicating scientific results effectively. I have also integrated sea ice physics and biogeochemistry models into my research, to link observational data with predictive models to better understand the impacts of the sea ice environment in the AMIZ.

Alongside field-based research, I am exploring diverse observational techniques, including the use of remote sensing technologies and autonomous platforms, to monitor polar environments. These approaches allow for broader spatial and temporal coverage, enhancing our understanding of sea ice dynamics and biogeochemistry in a changing climate.

Overall, my research bridges observational and theoretical approaches, with a strong commitment to protocol development and collaboration across the polar science community. I strive to make polar science more accessible and visible, advocating for interdisciplinary cooperation and inclusivity in polar research initiatives.