Prof. Monika A. Kusiak, PI of the project, is taking part in the 4th Polish Antarctic Research Expedition to the Polish Antarctic Station Dobrowolski. Dobrowolski is located in the Bunger Oasis, 130 km south of the Shackleton Iceshelf in East Antarctica. The Bunger Oasis is a unique place in that it may be regarded as a Martian analogue. Due to a pristine environment, proximity to the magnetic South Pole, exposure of Proterozoic basement rocks of the continent and the question of how the Bunger Oasis formed, this place is scientifically one of the most attractive in Antarctica.

The aims of the 4th PARE include the revitalization of the station after a 42-year absence of Polish researchers, estimation of the research potentials, setting up of autonomic and automatic geophysical stations, and preparation of the base for future research activity. Monika will be the first Polish female to have visited this region. The team consists of four members: prof. Monika A. Kusiak, prof. Marek Lewandowski (expedition leader), Dr Adam Nawrot and Prof. Wojciech Miloch.

Taking the opportunity, I would like to greet the members of my GeoBeLa team - Dan, Magda, Marcin, Piotr and Tanmay. I was so happy to receive "Antarctic adventure Scott's Northern Party" by Raymond E. Priestley from you. I also loved the dedication and the attached ribbon from the opening ceremony of our lab. You are amazing!