Scripps Student Spotlight: Trevor Layman
MAS Climate Science and Policy student explores polar programs in Argentina
Trevor Layman is a student in the Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy (MAS CSP) program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Layman grew up in Bozeman, Mont. and received his undergraduate degrees in classics and history from the University of Washington. He received his master’s degree in archaeology from Koç University in Istanbul. At Scripps Oceanography, Layman has been studying the polar programs of South America, specifically in Argentina, to learn more about their importance to the global climate system. He was previously National Geographic’s Educator of the Week in 2017, and won the Commander Jim Simpson Award for Best Public Affairs in the U.S. Coast Guard in 2021.
explorations Now (en): Why did you choose to attend Scripps?
Trevor Layman (TL): I was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the Climate Science and Policy program, and I knew Scripps was one of the best places in the world to study climate change, especially when it comes to the oceans. The opportunities to work on polar issues are amazing. The Scripps community is invited to attend Polar Hour (weekly on Thursdays at 2 p.m.) where we host seminars designed to foster connections and collaboration across disciplines of polar science!
en: What are you researching at Scripps?
TL: I'm looking at the polar programs of South America, specifically in Argentina. As climate change progresses, the polar regions have become very important, scientifically and politically. Much attention has been given to the polar programs of the United States, Russia, and China, and most of the political attention has been paid to the Arctic. I'd like to flip this around and see what a Latin American country can teach us about Antarctica, as they have been operating bases there for more than a century. I recently traveled to Argentina to interview polar professionals, visit their Antarctic Museum, be there for the observance of their Antarctica Day holiday, and then I will create a documentary reporting what I learned.
en: How did you become interested in science and your field of study?
TL: I had a completely different career in my twenties as a Mideast archaeologist and Latin teacher. I wanted to become more invested in polar issues, so I first got a job as a janitor at an Antarctic research station, and then I joined the Coast Guard and was posted to a polar icebreaker where I helped scientists with logistics and driving the ship in the ice. I was also the ship's public relations person. Although I was good at these roles, the missing piece was that I needed to understand polar science better, so I applied to Scripps. I feel very fortunate to have seen both polar regions. They are beautiful in distinct and overlapping ways, and endlessly interesting, scientifically and politically. I encourage anyone who feels the itch to get involved in polar science or politics to take a leap and try and make it happen.
en: What’s life like as a Scripps student? Describe a typical day.
TL: This quarter has been great for variety while I gear up for my capstone. I am taking Spanish and documentary filmmaking in addition to policy making and a class on energy systems. No two days of my week are alike. Last quarter I studied climate change physics and paleoclimate, and next quarter I plan to study the cryosphere. Recently I have been spending a lot of time writing emails and networking with people in Argentina, as well as looking for jobs. It's only a year-long program so the end is already coming up fast by the time you reach the halfway point.
en: What’s the most exciting thing about your work (in the field or in the lab)?
TL: I find the interdisciplinary nature of the Climate Science and Policy program very exciting. For my capstone, I need to be thinking artistically while filming a documentary, navigating a foreign culture and speaking a foreign language, managing the logistics of travel, and educating myself about climate change and polar science, all during the same project. I feel excited to take on a prismatic challenge.
en: Are there any role models or mentors who have helped you along the way?
TL: I've had many role models and mentors and look forward to meeting more as I get deeper into the capstone. I recently started to get to know researchers like Dan Lubin and Helen Amanda Fricker here at Scripps, and they are real experts. Going from ancient history scholar to polar professional was a little bit of an unusual arc, so I have also had to make my own narrative sometimes, or read self-help books and memoirs when I felt like there wasn't anyone who could advise me on my specific circumstances. Captain Picard from Star Trek juggled a flair for archaeology with a position of responsibility on a ship of science and exploration, so he's a good role model.
en: What are some of the challenges you face as a student?
TL: It's not too challenging being a graduate student in my thirties. I have a great supportive marriage, I am in a better financial position than when I was in my twenties, and have strong routines for mental and physical wellness. It's also a break from the level of responsibility I had while in the workforce—we frequently had to deal with dangerous situations in the Coast Guard. You might think there would be a social disconnect with some of my younger colleagues, but I think we get along well and I really like spending time with them. It's an enormous privilege to be able to study climate change, so I want to honor the opportunity I've been given.
en: What are your plans post-Scripps?
TL: I'd like to make a contribution to understanding the polar regions. I'd feel good if I could bring my humanities, Coast Guard, and Scripps connections together productively. My wife is applying to graduate schools for marine science, so we'll move based on where she wants to go (or stay here if she gets into Scripps) and ideally we could dovetail our careers somewhat.
About Scripps Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego is one of the world’s most important centers for global earth science research and education. In its second century of discovery, Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet, and investigate our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders through its undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs. The institution also operates a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels, and is home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the public exploration center that welcomes 500,000 visitors each year.
About UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego, we embrace a culture of exploration and experimentation. Established in 1960, UC San Diego has been shaped by exceptional scholars who aren’t afraid to look deeper, challenge expectations and redefine conventional wisdom. As one of the top 15 research universities in the world, we are driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth and make our world a better place. Learn more at ucsd.edu.