Interview: "Sailing is a passion that complements my professional life perfectly"

In this interview, PhD researcher Freya Sykes reveals how she combines three passions: sailing, foraminifera, and public outreach.

Can you briefly describe your research and why it is important?

I'm focusing on how the Nordic seas are impacted by climate change, specifically how warming affects North Atlantic water masses and currents. I use microscopic plankton called foraminifera to study past climate conditions. This is crucial because there’s a lot of uncertainty about how warming will affect North Atlantic ocean circulation, which has broad implications for global climate patterns.

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That sounds fascinating. Could you share some memorable experiences from your research cruises?

I've been on several cruises, around the Nordic Seas and Greenland and across the Atlantic. Living on these ships, collecting data, and being so connected to the ocean is an incredible experience. When you’re trying to pipette water in 5 metres swell it certainly gives you a different perspective on ocean dynamics to what you get at the office! It's both challenging and rewarding—dealing with everything from equipment failures to navigating through sea ice.

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It seems like life at sea is a big part of your work and personal life. Do you sail in your free time as well?

Absolutely, I love sailing. It's a passion that complements my professional life perfectly. Whether it's on research vessels or my own boat, being on the water with just the horizon stretching out in front of you is such a freeing feeling. I've been lucky to have wonderful experiences sailing around Stockholm’s archipelago and being part of the sailing community here in Tromsø.

You’ve lived and studied in various places. How did your educational journey lead you to marine geoscience in Tromsø?

I started in Edinburgh with an interest in glaciology but shifted towards climate reconstruction during my master's in Stockholm. A course on environmental proxies opened my eyes to its possibilities within marine geoscience, and I was hooked. It led me to pursue a PhD in this field here, focusing on how we can use marine sediments to understand past climate changes.

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Besides your research, you seem very involved in community activities. Can you tell us more about that?

Sure, I’ve always believed in the importance of community. In Stockholm, I was vice president of a large scout group, organizing sailing trips and outdoor activities for teenagers. I also engaged with APECS Sweden during my masters, where I enjoyed the intersection of physical and social sciences. Here in Tromsø I love to engage with young people through outreach activities. Seeing science through their eyes really offers a different perspective on my own research.

Looking ahead, where do you see your career and research heading?

I hope to continue blending research with fieldwork and community involvement. The dream is to keep contributing to our understanding of climate change and its impacts on oceanic systems. Whether that means staying in academia or exploring other avenues, I want to remain flexible and open to where my research can have the most impact.

When you're not working or sailing, where can we find you?

Probably fixing my boat! I enjoy maintaining and improving it. It’s a blend of problem-solving and hands-on work that I find very satisfying. Otherwise, I might be out skiing or having a cozy evening in with friends.

Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?

Just that I believe in the power of science to inform and inspire. Whether it’s through my research or engaging with the community, I aim to contribute positively to our understanding of the world and encourage others to do the same. Keep questioning, keep exploring, and cherish the natural world around us.

Freya Sykes works with the iC3-affiliated ARCLIM project in Tromsø, the capital of Arctic Norway. To find out more about her work with foraminifera, please check out this blog and her list of publications, or contact her by email or on LinkedIn.