The Sidney/North Saanich branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library is launching a new Scientist-in-Residence program, featuring Fisheries and Oceans Canada oceanographer Sophia Johannessen.

Johannessen, a geochemical oceanographer at the Institute of Ocean Sciences in North Saanich, will present a three-part public lecture series exploring her recent Antarctic research, climate-driven changes in B.C.’s coastal ocean, and the realities of working as a scientist.

All sessions are free, open to the public, and will be held in the library’s meeting room at 10091 Resthaven Dr. in Sidney.

Johannessen has developed a special three-part series of talks that will guide audiences through her recent research expedition to Antarctica.

The first talk, Science at the Bottom of the World: The Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition 2025, takes place Jan. 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. Johannessen will share insights from a month-long expedition to Antarctica, where 15 Canadian scientists conducted climate research aboard the Royal Canadian Navy ship HMCS Margaret Brooke.

READ MORE: Victoria scientists chart climate change from Antarctica

The second session, The Changing Coastal Ocean, is scheduled for Feb. 17 from 2 to 3 p.m. The talk will examine how global climate change and local pressures are affecting British Columbia’s coastal waters, and how reducing certain local stressors can help marine ecosystems become more resilient.

The series concludes March 10 from 2 to 3 p.m. with Ask an Oceanographer…, an informal question-and-answer session inviting community members to ask about ocean science, research life at sea and pathways into scientific careers.

Customer services librarian Virginia MacLeod said in a release the library is pleased to welcome a scientist of Johannessen’s calibre.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Johannessen is willing to share her knowledge and experience as an oceanographer with the community,” MacLeod said. “The topics are so timely, and we are very lucky to have world-class researchers working so near to us.”

The talks are designed for general audiences of all ages, with no scientific background required. Attendees may attend individual sessions or the full series.

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