Embarking on an Arctic Adventure: Preparing for My First Field Campaign

This year, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a field campaign in Northern Finland, about 150 km above the Arctic Circle. As my first field campaign, preparing for it was an exciting yet daunting task. The anticipation, preparation, and the unknown can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Here’s a glimpse into how I prepared for my recent field campaign.

Measuring site in Northern Finland, in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, approximately 150 km above the Arctic Circle. Images taken from Google Earth

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First of all, I had to take care of the research that I would be doing. I was told I was going to Finland in mid-January, and the campaign was scheduled for the end of May, leaving little time for preparation. The project was new to me, and required a dive into the bibliography. I was familiar with the theory, so that wasn't particularly challenging, although I did have to revise some old notes and papers I had already read. I had to familiarize myself with the tools I was going to use and the methodology. Knowing when to stop reading and start preparing was a challenge, but I eventually trusted my ability to learn and take on a new challenge.

In the meantime, I also sought the expertise of other researchers in the field. The topic was more related to atmospheric science, and although closely related to fluid dynamics, this was my first time measuring in the real atmosphere. This was a great opportunity to get to know people and let them know about our research. This not only provided valuable information, but also allowed me to network and build relationships with people I did not know before.

It also required a lot of project management: the project involved tight deadlines, meticulous planning, and coordination between different people. For example, we had to design and build a setup to support our experiments, which required collaboration between the electronics and mechanical shops. Constant communication with these departments was crucial and was up to me. I also had to deal with different delivery dates and make sure that all the pre-campaign testing was done on time. This was especially hard because I had to control what I could and plan around the things I could not control, such as a late delivery. Buffer times, as always, were critical.

Anticipating potential problems was an essential part of the preparation and became a sport. We did some risk analysis, thinking about what could go wrong and coming up with solutions for different scenarios. The general motto was "anything that can go wrong will go wrong". This mental exercise was both exhausting and reassuring, as it boosted my confidence that we could handle unexpected challenges.

Packing in my office a couple of days before departure. I had to pack everything that I needed

and everything that I might need

The practical considerations were endless. For example, wearing gloves in the field required simplifying tasks to minimize the need for manual dexterity. I also had to think about the number of electrical outlets I would use, spare parts, and tools to bring.

I had to be prepared to solve any problems that might arise in the field, while also being under time pressure.

Teamwork was a nice side effect of the preparation. I was lucky enough to work with a great teammate. Even though we had different projects, our sensors were manufactured by the same company, which provided a unique opportunity to work together. We did extensive testing before going into the field to minimize the risk of failure. I also became part of a larger group as we had 6 simultaneous projects during the campaign. This was nice because we could share our progress (and feelings) as we prepared. It was also really exciting to see their own progress and testing. We were able to bond over the previous weeks, and even more so during the campaign.

Even though we were all running around like crazy trying (and succeeding) to get everything done on time, there was also an air of excitement. In the midst of the stress, I was looking forward to this new experience, and the unknown became attractive. I couldn't imagine what it would be like, but once everything was in place, I started thinking more about the nature and animals I would see and how I would spend my free time with my colleagues, most of whom I now consider friends.

On a personal level, I had to remind myself to stay calm amidst the stress. The thought of being isolated in the Arctic tundra, six hours away from the nearest hospital, was daunting. The unpredictable weather and uncertain living conditions added to the anxiety. But I focused on controlling what I could and letting go of what I couldn't, which helped me stay grounded.

Packing my bags was interesting to say the least. I didn't know if I should expect negative temperatures or mild weather, since summer was approaching. I ended up taking both summer and winter clothes and almost didn't use any of it! This was because we were given technical clothing with special protection, so we wore it 24/7.

Knowing that I would be working a lot, I really wanted to take care of my mental and physical health. I knew that I wanted to keep my diet as close as possible to what I had at home and that I wanted to get (at least) 8 hours of sleep every night. To do this, I brought some protein-rich foods, healthy snacks, and some breakfast items. I also packed my yoga mat and running shoes, and although I didn't use them as much as I would have liked, I did go running a few times and did some yoga routines.

Arctic tundra seen from the plane from Helsinki to Kittilä, Finland.

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Reflecting on the Experience

Looking back, nothing could have fully prepared me for such an intense and enriching experience. I think I did a good job both leading up to and during the campaign. The experience allowed me to grow and learn significantly, both professionally and personally.

Aside from gaining more professional experience, my biggest takeaway was that I was able to work in a very fast-paced and intense environment, and that I could stay calm and still be productive, while still being able to come home every night, rest, and continue with my personal life.

I look forward to sharing more of my experiences from the field with you all!