16TH INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SCHOOL
Arctic Eco-Patrol: Permafrost Thaw, Microplastic Contamination and Heat Islands
Environmental Science, Ecology
Join the "Arctic Eco-Patrol" and become an environmental detective in the heart of Siberia!
Yakutia's permafrost is not just frozen ground—it is a climate record and a protector. However, as the world warms, this frozen giant is awakening, releasing modern threats like microplastics.
Yakutia's permafrost is not just frozen ground—it is a climate record and a protector. However, as the world warms, this frozen giant is awakening, releasing modern threats like microplastics.
FIGURE 1. You will learn how to perform polymer extraction using the density flotation method with salt solutions. .
In this project, you will learn from a scientific and technological approach how to face one of the quietest threats of our era: tiny particles, invisible to the human eye, that are altering global ecosystems. Using chemistry techniques, you'll learn how to extract these polymers from soil and water using density separation processes, revealing the extent of the contamination hidden beneath the surface.
With the support of digital microscopy, you will observe and classify your own findings, documenting the presence of these pollutants in the Yakutian environment. In addition, participants will investigate how "heat islands" (roads, buildings) accelerate permafrost thaw and conduct field measurements of temperatures and thaw depths. The final outcome will be an Environmental Health Map highlighting thaw-risk zones.
With the support of digital microscopy, you will observe and classify your own findings, documenting the presence of these pollutants in the Yakutian environment. In addition, participants will investigate how "heat islands" (roads, buildings) accelerate permafrost thaw and conduct field measurements of temperatures and thaw depths. The final outcome will be an Environmental Health Map highlighting thaw-risk zones.
FIGURE 2. Analysis of results: Identification and classification of microplastic fibers using digital microscopy. Ф
Participants Requirements:
This project is perfect for teens aged 12–16 who are passionate about chemistry, ecology, and climate change. No prior knowledge is required—only curiosity and a desire to explore!
This project is perfect for teens aged 12–16 who are passionate about chemistry, ecology, and climate change. No prior knowledge is required—only curiosity and a desire to explore!
Tutors
Olivia Reyna Sánchez
Xalapa, Mexico
Xalapa, Mexico
Olivia is a Mexican scientist and educator with a Ph.D. in Tropical Ecology and a degree in Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry. With over 15 years of experience, her research focuses on the metabolomic and antimicrobial properties of natural resources, earning first-place awards for her doctoral and master's theses.
Her career spans clinical diagnostics, biotechnology, metabolomic science, and environmental conservation. She has taught at all academic levels and has significant international experience, including serving as a visiting professor in Ecuador and a tutor at the International Research School in 2011. A leader in scientific diplomacy, she has coordinated international expeditions and science fairs. Committed to sustainability, Olivia specializes in water treatment and environmental education. At IRSchool 2026, she aims to inspire students to solve global challenges through rigorous chemical analysis.
Her career spans clinical diagnostics, biotechnology, metabolomic science, and environmental conservation. She has taught at all academic levels and has significant international experience, including serving as a visiting professor in Ecuador and a tutor at the International Research School in 2011. A leader in scientific diplomacy, she has coordinated international expeditions and science fairs. Committed to sustainability, Olivia specializes in water treatment and environmental education. At IRSchool 2026, she aims to inspire students to solve global challenges through rigorous chemical analysis.
Anastasia Serova
Moscow, Russia
Moscow, Russia
Anastasia is a student at the bachelor's programme Geography of Global Changes and Geoinformation Technology in HSE, Russia. Anastasia is highly interested in how physical geography influences urban space and the way it can be studied.
Anastasia is planning to devote herself to educational studies in the field of physical and human geography.
Passionate about international scientific collaboration, she brings hands-on GIS mapping and microclimate analysis skills to IRS 2026, complementing chemical approaches with spatial risk assessment for teen researchers tackling real-world sustainability challenges.
Anastasia is planning to devote herself to educational studies in the field of physical and human geography.
Passionate about international scientific collaboration, she brings hands-on GIS mapping and microclimate analysis skills to IRS 2026, complementing chemical approaches with spatial risk assessment for teen researchers tackling real-world sustainability challenges.
