In the late 1980’s, scientists in Antarctica carried out ‘extreme’ research. Robin, with her team of 5 research scuba divers, was one of the first women in Antarctica to spend 4 months camping out “in the field” and is one of the first, if not THE first, woman scuba diver under the thick sea ice of the Ross Sea. What was she looking for? Well…come and find out. Join Robin as she shares some of her fascinating, and sometimes hilarious, adventures of living and diving in Antarctica!
Robin L. Aiello
EXPEDITION LEADER & MARINE BIOLOGIST
Robin Aiello has spent most of her life on, and under, the oceans of the world. It is her passion!
She graduated from Harvard University with highest honors in Evolutionary Biology and Marine Biology. After graduation she worked as a Scientific Expedition Leader for academic researchers in some of the most exotic and remote areas of the world. A few of her most exotic experiences include four months camping on, and diving under, the ice in Antarctica, diving in submersibles into the deep waters off the Gulf of Maine, two weeks living underwater in a ‘Habitat’ in the Caribbean studying corals, marine cave diving in the Pacific, snorkeling with Humpback & Minke whales, and diving with thousands of sharks — including Great White sharks and Makos.
Robin moved to Australia in 1992 to work as a coral reef researcher and lecturer/guest speaker at several Australian research foundations. She ran her own environmental management consulting business, which specialised in marine management, conservation and education. She is a frequent keynote speaker at international conferences and for Smithsonian Institute study groups.
She is the recipient of the Australian EcoWarrior Award and the International Earth Ambassador Award, and this year has been selected as an Antarctic Ambassador by IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tourism Operators). She is also believed to be the first woman scuba diver in Antarctica.