Glacier captures interest of world-traveling senior

Christine Wrublesky stands on Patagonia's Moreno Glacier. She presented her research about the glacier to the Association of American Geographers conference last month.

BY LORI TIERNAN, '08

“I like the experience of something shockingly different” Christine Wrublesky, ‘08, says of her “take life by the horns” personality.

Wrublesky has traveled through Europe, Central America, South America, Alaska and Canada. After visiting Chile and Easter Island last summer through a University program, she decided to focus her research on the Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, Chile.

She presented her findings to professionals at the Association of American Geographers (AAG) conference in Boston in April.

Wrublesky’s life is not marked by plans, but an excitement for life. She reflects her lifelong love of the outdoors through her environmental studies major and minors in history and geography.

Wrublesky began the Chile-Easter Island trip by staying with a family in the coastal area of Vina del Mar near Santaigo. Later, the UR group traveled to Easter Island, 200 miles off the coast of Chile. The last leg of the trip was spent in Fucan, where she climbed a volcano. During the trip, Wrublesky trekked Moreno Glacier, not realizing the significance it would hold for her in the future. When Michael Harrison, associate professor of geography and environmental studies, later suggested that she write a paper about the glacier, Wrublesky thought that was “the coolest idea ever.”

Her research focused on the glacier’s variation due to climate change. She used remotely sensed satellite images and examined them over an extended period of time in order to analyze changes in the glacier. The research showed no sign the glacier has retreated despite global warming. Though Wrublesky cannot conclude anything extensive from her research, it’s a stepping stone for professionals to move in and advance her work.

At the AAG conference, Wrublesky squeezed months of research into a short presentation. Her only worry, she says, was how to say everything in five minutes.

“I’ve had the time of my life—I’m not ready to graduate,” Wrublesky says.  A varsity soccer player, she exudes happiness when speaking of her friends and experiences at the University.

Like many other seniors, she is unsure about her future plans, but she’s characteristically happy with the uncertainty. Immediately following graduation Wrublesky will return to Chile and Easter Island as an assistant on this year’s trip, which will last until June. After speaking with alumni, she is considering Outward Bound positions as a tour-guide in the West. Her dream jobs: working for Patagonia and National Geographic. But her ultimate goal, reflected in her environmental studies major, is to own an eco-tourism company.

No matter where the road leads, Wrublesky’s love for new experiences will not leave her disappointed.