Research Support

Interview with Kimberly Williams Mason, who is retired from the US Navy and served in Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica from 1977-1979. The interview begins with Mason’s childhood in Florida, where her father was in the Army and her mother was a nurse. Mason discusses her love of adventure and her decision to enlist in the US Navy where she first served as a postal clerk. She then describes the circumstances around being selected for Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica. Mason reflects on the rustic camp life in Antarctica, the lack of training provided, and what it was like being one of the only women there. She shares stories of sorting and delivering mail, and she describes the hierarchy that existed among the scientists, officers, and enlisted. The interview concludes with Mason’s discussion of her assignment in Hawaii after Antarctica, as well as her current life in Denver after leaving military service.

Interview with Sarah Krall, who spent 30 seasons working in Antarctica in various different science support jobs. Krall discusses her childhood in Iowa and her undergraduate studies at Idaho State where she studied environmental science. She then describes her time working for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Krall recounts her interest in working in Antarctica and her decision to apply to ITT Antarctic Services. She recalls her first position working at the Berg Field Center (BFC) and goes on to describe many of the various positions she held over the years, such as mountaineer, research assistant, helicopter scheduler, cook, and hovercraft operator. Krall shares stories about commune life and the atmosphere around camp over her many seasons in Antarctica.