Among the many benefits of polar expedition, moments of self-discovery are often the most fulfilling. These crystal-clear pinpoints of time help us objectively define - or refine -who we are, what motivates us, and what we’re most passionate about.
The Quark Expeditions North Pole Summit taking place on July 20, 2017 will be one of those times. This exclusive 14-day sailing - an enhanced version of Quark's popular North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure - will include seven very special guests from the worlds of science, exploration, conservation, politics, and education. These real-life global citizens, introduced below, will reveal what inspires them and share their perspectives on today’s environmental challenges.
Be part of the discussion! Find out how you can translate your passions into positive social change. Book your place at the table today.
Meet Quark's Summit Leaders
Join these global citizens as they reveal what inspires them, and get insight into their perspective on today's environmental challenges.
Paul Nicklen
Photographer | Marine Biologist | Conservationalist
This Canadian-born photographer has been documenting the beauty and the plight of the polar regions and our oceans for more than 20 years. As an assignment photographer for National Geographic magazine, he has been able to capture the imagination of a global audience. Paul’s mission is to use his images to start a conversation about the earth’s natural wonders and to inspire action on ways to preserve them.
Paul and his partner, Cristina Mittermeier, are founders of SeaLegacy a conservation organization whose mission is to change the narrative around the world’s oceans and show the global community what is at stake, rally soldiers of support and ignite real and lasting change to preserve these communities.
Cristina Mittermeier
Marine Biologist | Photographer | Biochemical Engineer | Conservationist
Cristina’s inspired photography documents the fascinating places where nature and humanity intersect. She has edited and published 24 books on conservation issues and has had her work featured in publications such as Science and Nature magazine. Currently the co-founder and president of SeaLegacy, Cristina was named one of the world’s top 40 most influential outdoor photographers by Outdoor magazine.
Cristina and her partner, Paul Nicklen, are founders of SeaLegacy a conservation organization whose mission is to change the narrative around the world’s oceans and show the global community what is at stake, rally soldiers of support and ignite real and lasting change to preserve these communities.
James Raffan
Geographer | Author | Polar Historian
Named one of Canada’s 100 Greatest Explorers by Canadian Geographic magazine, “JR” is an adventurer, professor and writer who spends part of every year in the polar regions, working as a biologist, expedition guide, educator and cultural researcher. He is a Fellow of both the Explorers Club and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In 2010, JR was given the Inuinnaqtun name “Aiuituk” - meaning “one who gets things done” = by the youth of Kugluktuk, Nunavut.
Frances Ulmer
Policy Adviser | Public Servant
Appointed Chair of the US Arctic Research Commission by President Obama in 2011, Frances advises on domestic and international arctic research. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry asked her to serve as Special Advisor on Arctic Science and Policy in 2014. Formerly Lieutenant Governor of Alaska and Chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage, Frances is also a member of the Global Board of the Nature Conservancy.
David Serkoak
Inuit Elder | Educator
David was in born in Nueltin Lake, southwest of Arviat, Nunavut. He has worked in education on a variety of levels – as a teacher, vice-principal and principal. A developer of Inuktitut-language teaching materials, he has also been an Instructor at Nunavut Arctic College and a curator with the British Museum of Mankind in London. During his free time, David makes Inuit drums and teaches youth about the art of drum dancing.
Maureen Raymo
Paleoclimatologist | Marine Geologist
Maureen is a Lamont Research Professor at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, where she studies the history and causes of climate change. She has spent months in the field and at sea, including two months as chief scientist on the drill ship Joides Resolution. Included in Discover magazine’s list of the 50 most important women in science, Maureen was the first woman to receive the Wollaston Medal from the Geological Society of London, given annually since 1831.
Alan Chambers
Explorer | Motivational Speaker
Alan is a polar adventurer who led the first successful unsupported British expedition from Canada to the Geographic North Pole. Walking 672 nautical miles dragging a sledge in temperatures as low as -65º C, he and his team raised the Union Jack at the North Pole in May 2000, after a gruelling 70 days on the ice. Alan has subsequently led 12 successful expeditions, introducing many others to the wonders of polar exploration.
