TRU student accepted on board Antarctic expedition to study climate change
Contact: Sandra Borton, (p) 250-320-2348
January 30, 2009
In photo: Sandra Borton, TRU Adventure Tourism student
A 26-year old Adventure Tourism student at Thompson Rivers University is one of a select few students from around the world chosen to set sail for Antarctica next month, on a 17-day ship-based field course to learn about environmental issues, climate change and polar tourism.
Sandra Borton, a native of Nanoose Bay, BC now in her fourth-year of the tourism degree program at TRU, is one of just 70 students chosen to take part in the Antarctic University Expedition known as ‘Students on Ice’ that leaves from the southern tip of Chile on February 12.
The expedition employs modern icebreakers for the voyage across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, where 88 staff and students from around the world will be immersed in 'hands on' research activities and lectures given by polar experts, educators, and researchers.
"As an Adventure Tourism degree student I look forward to gaining knowledge and insight on the climate and tourism situation in Antarctica," said Borton. "One of my big goals is to help others appreciate nature’s special places and encourage them to take positive actions in caring for our planet. I know we can’t all go to Antarctica, so I am committed to share what I will learn with others."
That will include a presentation, complete with slides from the expedition, to students attending the TRU Undergraduate Research Conference at TRU in April, and working with fellow students in the Environmental Issues in the Tourism Industry class at TRU to enhance their understanding of Polar Tourism. Borton also hopes to encourage more students to participate in programs like ‘Students on Ice’ through public slideshows, photography exhibits and articles about her Antarctic experience.
Along with aptitude, ability and desire, Borton also needs to raise nearly $13,000 to cover costs. Her current fundraising efforts include collecting pledges for a polar swim, silent-auctioning canvas-print photographs and holding small group fundraisers. She’s also asking local businesses, organizations, and individuals in the community to lend support to the cause, and pledges to recognize donors when she shares her expedition experiences through various media and public slideshows and presentations.
The TRU Comprehensive University Enhancement Fund (CUEF) 
which supports a wide range of scholarship, recreational, study abroad, co-op education, student research, wellness and faculty development initiatives, has approved a $500 grant in support of her field course experience.
To follow the expedition check out www.uantarctic.org
For more information, or to make a pledge or request a sponsor package, contact
Sandra Borton.