Tamara Mathys

Glaciologist, Onsite Coordinator Girls on Ice Schweiz, Future instructor Adventures of Science

Growing up in a very active family in Switzerland, I was lucky to have a childhood full of hiking and skiing and exploring nature and mountains with family or friends. Being in nature therefore always feels a bit like coming home to me and taking in the breathtaking views that alpine environments have to offer has never ceased to amaze me.

During my studies in geography at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland I learned more about the fascinating processes (and changes) taking place in and around mountains. The specialization of my master in glaciology and mountain geomorphology further intensified my enchantment with glacial and periglacial environments. For my master thesis I then got to travel to Chile and Argentina in order to conduct research on permafrost in the high-altitude Andes: an adventure of a lifetime!! It was then that I decided to continue working in such remote and beautiful landscapes by pursuing a PhD where I will focus on permafrost in Central Asia.

By being a part of Adventure of Science, I hope to share many more adventures with other, like-minded women from Central Asia and make unforgettable memories.