We caught up with busy environmentalist, artist, and jumper, Marie Geai, of France to discuss her efforts and experiences in one of the harshest environments in the world, Alaska. Unsurpsingly, Marie doesn't really think it's all that cold up there. Keep up the good work Marie, we are proud to have you as a part of the SheJumps community. The drawing below was done by Marie. —Leah Fielding, Associate Editor.

What exactly are you doing in the Alaska? Where exactly are you?
I am a visiting scientist at the Water and Environmental Research Center, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Katey Walter Anthony's lab.
I am working on methane emissions from Arctic lakes. As permafrost (permanently frozen ground) is thawing, lakes (lakes due to thawing permafrost are called thermokarst lakes) and ponds form. Organic matter (dead plant and animals) that was previously locked up frozen is released: it's like opening the freezer door. The organic matter becomes food for microbes and bacteria. In the bottom of the lakes, there is no oxygen, and as bacteria eat the released organic matter, they create methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas, 23 times more potent than CO2. The more permafrost thaws, the more methane is released, the more it contributes to climate change. So, that is a problem! We want to know how much methane is emitted throughout the Arctic, how, where. And for that, we need people's help. I am working on a citizen science project called PALIMMN (nicknamed bubble trouble. Anybody can get involved and collect data about the lake in their yard (in Arctic and temperate latitudes), in summer or in winter. Then we used the data for research, and share them on the project's website.

What does a typical day in your shoes feel like? Cold much?
I live in a cool house on the top of a hill (I've heard there are bears around, but so far I've seen only plenty of moose and a bunch of invasive squirrels). I see the Alaska Range from there. I'm moving in a few days to a dry cabin (no running water) closer to campus, and I'm very excited. When I'm not in my office, I'm in the field, that is, lakes. Last week I was at Eight Mile Lake, very close to the the magic bus of "Into the Wild." Whenever I have a moment off, I draw. I like drawing, a lot. Winter wasn't that cold in Fairbanks, in average 15 below with maybe a week in total at 35 below. I am enjoying the incredibly warm spring here and all the hiking and camping possibilities...But I am mostly very excited about next winter. Gimme some cold!

Why did you decided to go on this adventure?
I won a contest organized by Ben & Jerry's Europe and WWF in 2008 (the Climate Change College), about sustainable development. I got to work with tourism stakeholders in Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Part of the prize was a trip to the Arctic to see the impacts of climate change on Northern latitudes. We went on a trip across Alaska with a polar explorer, it was big. We met some scientists, among who Katey Walter. I got really interested by her work (greenhouse gases emissions from arctic lakes), I kept sending emails, got a grant (a Franco-American Foundation grant, called Monahan), and wooot, on my way to Alaska! So besides the serious and scholar version: I decided to go on this adventure for the sake of Ala-ska, the great outdoors! Meet people, do something new, jump into the unknown.

What kind of outdoor activities do you enjoy? Have you gotten to do any of these activities while in Alaska?
Downhill skiing. Love, love it. I skied every week on a local ski hill, and spent some time in Alyeska down South. I started x-country skiing in Fairbanks (that's THE sport here, can't avoid it). Plus, hiking, biking, and rock climbing.

What "jumps" have you taken recently?
Coming to Alaska. That was a pretty big one. I have another big "jump" on my doorstep: I have to decide whether I stay in Alaska for some more years or leave to Canada.

Is the arctic wilderness as cold and lonely as it looks?
One day in a dark cold fall morning, going to work, I figured: I could either be depressed by this darkness, or be thrilled by the snow, the cold, the possibilities. I know it sounds cheesy, but I guess my point is, to a certain extent, you live what you bring (decide that this IS a great day!). And Alaska is a pretty cool setting

Any experiences, feelings or pictures that you'd like to share with us?
Uh, I am French, by the way. And I am a shepherd in the Alps, working with my dogs, for real. I miss doing that! And I miss goat cheese terribly
I am looking for people to go hiking, camping, skiing, canoeing in Alaska. I am thinking of creating a SheJumps group in Alaska. Anybody interested? Join the force!!!

Here's the address of my blog: http://marielaureinalaska.wordpress.com/