What is your master thesis about?
"My master thesis focused on the Amundsen Sea in Antarctica and the exchange of heat arising from the difference of temperature and humidity between the atmosphere and the sea surface. In my thesis, I showed that cold and dry air masses advected from Antarctica trigger large heat loss for the ocean surface. I also demonstrated in my thesis that ERA5, a widely used model, fails at representing these large heat loss events because of its too-low grid resolution."
"The Amundsen Sea is sadly famous for being home of Thwaites glacier also known as the "Doomsday Glacier" as it could contribute dramatically to sea level rise if it melts. The Amundsen Sea is also a hotspot for sea–ice formation and melt. This work highlights the need for a better understanding of large-scale atmospheric dynamics in this remote region as they impact the sea surface temperature variability and therefore the formation and melting of sea–ice."
What are you currently doing now?
"Just recently, I started a PhD within the LOPS laboratory in Brest, France. For the next three years I will study the sea level rise along the North Atlantic coasts since 1850 using both in situ observations and climate models. I'm very excited for this new adventure!"
How will you use the prize amount?
"I'm not sure yet, but there are a few places in Europe I'd like to visit, and given that I only travel by train, this prize could be a financial boost. Alternatively, or as a complement, I could use the prize to invest in some hiking and/or cycling equipment."
Finally, how does it feel to get the award?
"It is a great honour. I truly enjoyed working on my master thesis and this award is a nice recognition of the efforts I invested in this project. I am also very grateful to my supervisors Marcel du Plessis and Bastien Queste for their support throughout my master project, but also to the whole teaching team at University of Gothenburg for giving me the skills and the desire to continue my journey in academia."
