Young researchers in the spotlight: Anastasiia Chyhareva

4 December 2024

In June, the PolarRES Early Career Researcher Bootcamp brought together a group of inspiring climate scientists. During the event, we had the opportunity to interview some of these talented researchers, asking them about their journeys, aspirations and perspectives.

We are excited to share not only the video highlights but also the full interviews in text format, offering a deeper dive into their insights and experiences. This week, we spotlight Anastasiia Chyhareva, a PhD researcher at NASC. Below, you will find the featured video, followed by the complete transcribed interview.

Please tell us a bit more about yourself.

I am an Early Career Researcher, working at the National Antarctic Scientific Centre of Ukraine (NASC), based in Kyiv. My work focuses on Antarctica, and my PhD research specifically examines clouds and precipitation over the Antarctic Peninsula.

I do polar modelling with a focus on clouds and precipitation, as we do not know much about it. In my research, I study how Antarctic clouds form, evolve, and transform during their journey—such as through a cyclonic event. I’m particularly fascinated by the physics behind these changes, including the factors that determine the phase of precipitation. For instance, what causes it to fall as snow in one case and as rain in another?

What is your role here in PolarRES?

For PolarRES I work with an original model called ‘Polar Weather, Research and Forecasting’ (PolarWRF), where I study the microphysics variations within the model. My focus is on understanding how cloud-aerosol-precipitation interactions occur over Antarctica and over the Arctic within specifically defined extreme precipitation events.

What has been the most interesting aspect of working on the PolarRES project?

Working in team has been the most interesting aspect of working on PolarRES. It is a huge consortium and there is a lot of exchange of different technologies and methodologies. This has really improved the quality of the results we produce, and it’s something new that I’ve enjoyed learning.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself in five years still in Ukraine, contributing to polar science. My goal is to make a meaningful Ukrainian contribution to advancing our understanding of Antarctica.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I never had a specific profession in mind, but I always loved maps and traveling. So, in many ways, I’m exactly where I wanted to be as a child. I get to work with maps a lot, which makes me really happy. Plus, this field involves a lot of travel, which I enjoy as well.

Do you have a science idol?

The person who inspires me the most in the field of science right now is actually my supervisor, Svitlana Krakovska. She works with the IPCC and is doing a lot for Ukrainian and international science. She has a great mind. Hopefully I will reach her level someday.

Do you have a cool Arctic or Antarctic fun fact?

Sure! Antarctica is a very biologically rich region. You do not expect to see such a wide variety of species until you visit. Of course, documentaries give you an idea, but experiencing this wild, absolutely remote region first hand – seeing this foreign nature – is something unbelievable.

Have you ever been to Antarctica and what were your favourite moments?

I’ve participated in the Ukrainian Antarctic expedition for three seasonal field campaigns, working as a meteorologist. During bad weather, you have a lot of work to do – taking measurements and checking instruments. But when the weather is good and all the instruments have been checked, there is often free time. That is when you get the chance to join others in their research. For example, I have been able to hop on a boat and navigate the region while other researchers collect samples.

One of my favourite moments is when whales appear and surround the boat. You try not to move, simply in awe of these magnificent creatures. And aside from that, the sightseeing – mountains, icebergs, and of course, the whales – makes Antarctica one of my favourite places.

Why it is important to study the Polar Regions?

The Polar Regions are very sensitive with delicate ecosystems. Any rapid changes in our climate can have a dramatic impact on these regions. For example, as I mentioned before, Antarctica is a very biologically rich region. Any changes in temperature or in precipitation can cause melting, altering the structure of ocean water, which in turn dramatically affects phytoplankton and krill species. This can trigger a chain reaction of significant changes. So that is why we should try to do our best to save the Polar Regions.