With increasing conversations about climate change and the environment, Miami has become an area for concern due to sea levels rising. Because UM students and faculty have been researching new technologies and ways to live in this changing world, some have become curious about regions of the world like Antarctica.
As climate change continues to impact our world, some people are making an effort to learn about the effects before it’s too late. During winter break, sophomore David Kronman visited Antarctica and got to see the effects of climate change first-hand.
From a young age, the marine affairs and geography major has loved scuba diving, calling it the best way to experience the ocean. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pa. Kronman always wanted to study “something in the marine sciences” at UM.
“I loved the campus — especially the Rosenstiel School — as well as the research,” Kronman said.
Currently, Kronman helps others cultivate a love for the ocean as a dive guide at Grove Scuba. On campus, he is involved with the scuba club and works at Outdoor Adventures in Lakeside Village. Kronman says he has “a lot of fun with that.”
However, Kronman’s interests in the ocean are not limited to Miami’s tropical climate: additionally, he has been fascinated by Antarctica. As a marine affairs major, Kronman says that the currents in Antarctica are unique since they are isolated.
“I’ve always been interested in Antarctica because who doesn’t love penguins?” Kronman said.
When Kronman was nine, he opened a bank account to start saving for a trip to Antarctica and saved everything he earned for 11 years.
“It was a long time, but it was everything I hoped for,” Kronman said.
Before Kronman’s trip to Antarctica, he says his main interest in marine science was sharks. Although he still loves sharks, he became more interested in polar conservation following the recent trip.
“This has to do with climate change, conservation management and fishery sciences because overfishing and overharvesting have been a big threat,” Kronman said. “Climate change has been a topic that has come up in every class, with examples of the damage caused by it or evidence for it.”
Going to Antarctica allowed Kronman to see the receding glaciers.
“For my geography major, it was cool to see graphical applications of geography, whether it be navigating through ice or mapmaking,” Kronman said.
Through his marine affairs major, Kronman has become more knowledgeable about sustainable tourism policies and their significance for marine protected areas. Kronman’s future plans include getting involved with lab or field research.
“There is a lot that interests me, but the Rescue a Reef lab and the Shark Research and Conservation Program are just two of the many that I would love to join.”
Fortunately for Kronman, his time at UM has been worthwhile.
“This was where I learned what I wanted to do and because it was really fun,” Kronman said.
Kronman continues to delve into various research topics and appreciates UM for the one-of-a-kind education. He has found that the faculty at the Rosenstiel School have served as a community he can lean on when figuring out his post-graduation plans.
“We learn about all sorts of different topics, from geography to specific chemical processes and biological systems, so I feel that I will be prepared to move on with a career after I graduate,” Kronman said.