Team Bio

The team is composed of four female researchers who have extensive research experience and complementary skills . The project leader, Audrey, will bring her expertise in human physiology research. Chantal Simon, MD will serve as the study physician. Caroline Gilbert has extensive experience with field work in Polar regions and animals. Sophie Bourgeon will be our local collaborator and will help with the logistical aspects of the project in Norway.

Audrey Bergouignan

I am fascinated by how living beings, including plants, animals and humans, adapt to changes of their environment. Over the years I specialized as a human physiologist studying metabolism and its regulation by environmental factors (diet and physical activity). I am employing a unique translational approach by aiming to understand the capacity of the body to adapt to extreme conditions such as space environment or polar conditions, to then help understanding the onset and progression of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. My ultimate goal is to develop novel strategies of prevention and treatment of these metabolic diseases that represent a public health burden, and thus improve human condition.

I am furthermore passionate by the outdoors adventures (skiing, cross-country skiing and back-country hiking) and traveling. This project is for me an amazing opportunity to assemble all my passions at once by leading a top level research project along with other enthusiastic and skilled female researchers, meeting with an International team of female explorers and trying to improve our knowledge on human body. I hope it will further inspire all young female scientists and explorers to go beyond what is expected from them and reach their dreams.

Chantal Simon

http://carmen.univ-lyon1.fr/eq...

I am a Professor of Medicine at the University of Lyon in France. After many years of practice, I have decided to drive my career towards the fascinating field of research hoping to have a greater impact on human health. I wanted to be able to better understand the causes favoring the development of chronic diseases. I completed a PhD in epidemiology on obesity. I am now one of the leaders of a research team at the CarMeN institute that gathers scientists and clinicians to work on the determinants of sedentary behaviour and obesity, and on the role of the regulation of muscle mass and metabolism in obesity complications, such as insulin resistance.

I was Audrey's PhD supervisor and am very excited she asked me to team up for this exceptional project. I will ensure the health of both the explorers and study team during the study. I will also bring my experience as a senior researcher to ensure the success of the project.

Sophie Bourgeon

My research focuses on ecological physiology, endocrinology and ecotoxicology of free-living avian and mammal Arctic species. I am namely investigating the unique metabolism of polar bears from the Barents sea area in the context of a warming climate.

I live in beautiful Norway above the polar circle where I can enjoy Northern lights and country skiing.

I am especially thrilled at the idea of joining the research team and to be part of this unique human experience.

Gilbert Caroline

I am studying physiological and behavioural adaptations of organisms to their environmental constraints, both on an individual and a populational point of view. In particular, my research focus on 1) energy saving strategies of endotherms through huddling and 2) coping styles of individuals through personality traits, stress reaction and metabolism.

My main animal models are: emperor penguins, newborn rabbits, microcebes, elephant seals, dogs.

I am so enthusiastic to join the team and the project to study women's adaptations to such an extreme environment! This is such a great adventure.