Liz Kauffman Lead Project manager - Science

How long have you been with PFS and what is your current role?

2021, Greenland PM Lead/Science Project Manager

What does a typical day look like in your job?

I often find myself in a target rich environment where there are many opportunities for problem solving. Anything from solving reduced resources across Greenland, budget changes, shipping challenges, or poor weather that create delays. It sure is fun when you get to provide solutions!

What do you enjoy most about your work here?

It’s the same sentiment with everyone – the people! And especially the science project managers – we find ways to work together to get the work done and share a lot of laughs along the way.

What experience or education got you involved with PFS?

Like many of us, I worked in the US Antarctic Program (for almost 3 decades) and knew all the original Polar Field founders way back in 2000. I always kept tabs on what was happening in the Arctic. I decided to resign from the USAP in 2021 and met up with Rachel Murray who encouraged me to apply for the science project manager role. The rest is history.

Do you have a favorite memory or project from your time with PFS? If so, can you tell us about it?

I have directly supported science across the polar regions for twenty years. One of my favorite memories is supporting the Joint Science Education Project in Greenland. The project brought recently graduated high school students across the US, Greenland, and Denmark together for three weeks of field work in Kangerlussuaq. In 2023 I traveled with the group to Kangerlussuaq. Watching all the students work together and learn from each other and present their scientific findings was inspiring and made me hopeful and excited to see what the new generation is capable of!