Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Twenty-one year-old adventurist, traveler, rock climber, hiker, swimmer and soccer player Tiffany Martin is always up for an adventure.

Recently completing her second year in the Marine Institute’s (MI) Marine Environmental Technology program, Martin was ecstatic when she was selected as a 2013 recipient of the Student’s on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition $10,000 Scholarship.

“I’m an advocate for sustainability. The Arctic is the most untouched place in the world and it’s our responsibility to make sure that we preserve those resources,” said Martin. “Everything I’ve learned in my degree so far has led me to this point.”

Martin will participate in the two week ship-and-land based journey to the eastern Canadian Arctic and western Greenland between July 14 and 28. She will represent MI as an ambassador amongst 70 international high school students, a team of 35 world-class scientists, historians, artists, explorers, educators, innovators and polar experts and 30 public and private sector leaders.

“MI is proud to have a student participate in the Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition again this year. This voyage allows students to broaden their global perspectives on the planet and its future challenges,” said Carey Bonnell, head, School of Fisheries (MI). “Each of our past student participants have developed skills and knowledge which help shape them into environmentally responsible citizens.”

Amidst her busy schedule, Martin is also a Rona Eco representative for Newfoundland and Labrador. Currently on a work term with the Eastern Canada Response Corporation, she is an area response plan coordinator for oil spills. The company is allowing Martin to take a break in her work term to participate in the expedition.

Encountering extraordinary wildlife and visiting remote Arctic communities and archeological sites are just some of the things Martin is looking forward to on the expedition. However, her most important objective is to acquire first-hand knowledge and insight into the dynamics of climate change and sustainability.

Martin is passionate about the Arctic and her main interests lie in hydrology, climate dynamics, sustainability and preservation.

“I am very excited to use this once in a life time opportunity to not only apply what I have learned in hydrology, climate dynamics, sustainability and preservation, but to also learn more about the Arctic and the challenges of creating a sustainable environment,” said Martin. “I plan to be able to take what I learn and apply it in future endeavors.  In addition to this, I also hope to be able to tell my story of the Arctic so that others may benefit from my experience.”