An engineer’s postcard from Antarctica

Our planet is at a critical crossroads, but together, we can drive change. This Earth Day, relive QEPrize Ambassador Susan McDonald's extraordinary journey to Antarctica with Homeward Bound, a global initiative empowering women in STEMM to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future. Her story is a powerful reminder of both the breathtaking beauty and the delicate fragility of our world and why now, more than ever, we must act to protect it.

Antarctica. The name alone conjures images of towering icebergs, shimmering aquamarine and sapphire waters, ‘happy feet’ penguins, and the tales of the ‘whale and the snail’. It won’t be a surprise that my soundtrack in this other-worldly location was Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar movie soundtrack.

As an engineer, my recent expedition to this breathtaking continent was more than just a journey to the bottom of the world; it was a journey into the heart of sustainability leadership. I was selected for Homeward Bound, a global initiative empowering woman in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) to lead action on shaping a sustainable future. The year-long online leadership program culminated in this extraordinary voyage. This personal investment has been invaluable both personally and professionally, and one that I hope inspires school students to pursue engineering and my young daughters’ own adventures in the future.

My fascination with cold environments, perhaps ingrained in my Scottish roots, has previously taken me to the Arctic and Iceland, undertaking citizen research from analysing ice cores to studying the complex habits of killer whales with the Earthwatch Institute. These experiences were far removed from how many choose to spend their holiday time and budget, yet they have been some of the most rewarding, and highlighted the critical importance of data collection and analysis in informing effective policies and interventions.

Antarctica, however, held a different allure. Surrounded by 122 incredible women from diverse STEMM backgrounds, experienced expedition leaders, and a dedicated crew, we explored the icy landscapes, witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change, and engaged in thought-provoking discussions about our leadership and collective role in creating a sustainable future.

The experience was both humbling and empowering. Humbling in the face of nature's raw beauty and the stark reality of our planet's fragility. Empowering in the realisation that as engineers, we possess the skills and creativity to drive meaningful change.

This journey reinforced several key takeaways:

• The Power of Nature: Being in Antarctica, surrounded by its awe-inspiring beauty and fragile ecosystem, reinforced the urgency of addressing climate change and protecting our planet for future generations.
  
• The Power of Collective Action: Tackling global challenges like climate change requires collaboration, diverse perspectives, and a shared commitment to finding solutions. This has never been more crucial than it is now.
  
• The Power of Data-Driven Decisions: From understanding the impact of melting glaciers to protecting vulnerable ecosystems, data is essential for informing effective policies and interventions.
  
• The Power of Women in STEMM: The expedition highlighted the critical role women play in driving innovation and leadership, and our integral role in protecting our planet and shaping a sustainable future.
  
• The Power of Finding Joy: Facing the challenges of a sustainable future requires finding joy and connecting with others on a human level. The camaraderie and shared purpose on the expedition were truly inspiring, including cheering and supporting one another to take a polar plunge into 1.6°C Antarctic waters!

As I reflect on my time in Antarctica, I'm filled with a renewed sense of purpose. The world needs more engineers, especially women, who are passionate about creating a sustainable future. We need to make engineering accessible and exciting, showcasing its power to transform our world for the better. Who knows, maybe an “Engineering the Future” documentary series is in my future!

Although my journey to Antarctica may be over, my commitment to using my engineering skills to make a difference is stronger than ever, in addition to sharing my experiences to help inspire the next generation of engineers. I am proud, through my role as a Queen Elizabeth of Engineering Prize (QEPrize) Ambassador, and Trustee and Board Member of the Women’s Engineering Society I will be engaging with school students in the coming months, including speed mentoring at the Science Museum in London with the QEPrize, speaking about the role of women engineers’ at the All-Energy Conference, and speaking at Glasgow Science Centre’s ‘Curious About’ Program, which attracts over 60,000 school students.