Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Christine G, Potsdam, NY — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:03:20 GMT

It makes me glad that there are people out there doing good, and not for publicity's sake, but rather for the sake of doing good for mankind. I'm almost done with college and I can't wait to go out and do some good myself. At least we know now that smart people aren't extinct, they only relocated =)

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Michael Bair, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:24:27 GMT

I lived and worked at McMurdo Station through the winter of 2005. The people I met there are exactly as you say. They are the kind of people who teach by example, who take chances, who face their own fears. They are smart and brave and very, very happy to be alive.

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Dan Carluccio — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:02:58 GMT

Great job! Say hello to Matt C for us.

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Risa Ganel, Columbia, Maryland — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:17:27 GMT

My husband is headed to Antarctica as I type this! And yes, he has a PhD (in physics)! So, don't worry, there are more PhD's on the way to offset the balance of your arrival on the ice! Thank you for taking note of the overlooked contrubutions this group makes to the greater good. They sacrifice time away from family (my husband will be gone for as much as 8 weeks) in order to help us better understand the world in which we live and their remuneration for this is no where near what it deserves to be, financially or otherwise.

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Anonymous Antarctican, McMurdo Station — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:28:52 GMT

This the best op-ed piece on the US Antarctic Program I've ever read. Thanks, Bob!

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Roberta Harper -aka Mom, Hudson, Wisconsin — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:24:04 GMT

As a scientist myself, it's great to see, hear, and read this positive press for scientific research. And I have a special reason for watching - my daughter Kelly is part of the Antarctica team. As a Civil Engineer, she is helping keeping things running - the drinking water is part of what she does. So hats off (or maybe on with the weather) to all the support staff who help make it possible for the core scientists to do the research!

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Marilyn Jefreys — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:17:06 GMT

This segment of the Today Show is the best reporting I have ever seen on any morning show. Each segment presented interesting, eye-opening information with the wonderful addition of the personal side of each area worthy of a Big Screen Documentary! I have thoroughly enjoyed all the information. Matt, Ann & Al are amazing reporters. Hope you're allowed to keep up this segment. I have learned so much, THANK YOU!!

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Anita Watford City, ND — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:40:28 GMT

Bob, You are so right about the McMurdo Station personnel. We have a granddaughter there. She is a Media Specialist with Andrill. There are lots of good videos and information, on their web site about their project. Might want to check them out. andrill.com

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Harry Owens, Jr. -- McMurdo Station, Antarctica — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 02:47:08 GMT

Thank you for the very kind words. I agree. The Program and the people here are awesome, dedicated folks.

Harry Owens, Jr., MD, MIM
Lead Physician
McMurdo Hospital/Clinic
United States Antarctic Program
McMurdo Station, Antarctica

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Kris Kornegay, McMurdo Station, Antarctica — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 06:45:17 GMT

Bob and the rest of the today show crew- thank you for your well written words and appreciation for all that we do here on "the Ice." Our community has really enjoyed your crew being here and we appreciate the time all of you took during your whirlwind visit to get to know a little bit about members of the community in McMurdo. All the Shuttle drivers wish you the best of luck finishing out your story and safe travels home, we've got our fingers crossed for good weather for you. :) Thanks for being a part of another great memory on the Ice!

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Kimberly, Cumming, Georgia — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:48:58 GMT

Thank you for your coverage! Today, seeing Ann and her new friends partying on down in Antartica brought tears to my eyes. What an unbelievable and amazing experience!! I hope you all had a safe and successful attempt to make it all the way to the south pole. I can't wait to hear the news!

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Gretchen Specht, McMurdo Station, Antarctica — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:08:46 GMT

WOW, thanks for all the compliments and recognizing all of us here at McMurdo and what we do. A lot of us are here for the experience and to assist the scientists not for the money and it's nice to hear compliments.
Thanks.

Where'd all the Ph.D's go? Antarctica

Neoma Lavalle, McMurdo Station, Antarctica — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:02:53 GMT

Bob, thank you so much for your kind words of recognition. It is pretty amazing to find so many motivated and intelligent people in one place, from scientist to shuttle drivers...like me. I am certainly very happy to be a part of the US Antarctic Program. It is wonderful that you and the whole Today crew were able to show the people back at home what we are up to down here. Thanks again and keep up the good work!