The film “Antarctica – The Great Awakens” was set to launch on Sept. 22  at Climate Week NYC, one of the largest events to raise awareness for climate change. The film was screened at the World Trade Center in New York City. Jennifer Walker of Rowan University got a chance to speak to other individuals on the panel about the reality of climate change and some of her experiences while filming the documentary.

Walker embarked on a voyage to Antarctica to film a documentary to raise awareness about how climate change affects the world globally. This documentary provides a geological insight of the Antarctica landscape which faces a rising sea-level threat.

“The very large role that Antarctica has played in it, especially to do with sea-level rise, and the importance of mitigating climate change sooner than later,” said Walker. 

Dr. Walker, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science in the School of Earth & Environment, is a featured scientist in the film that explores the role of Antarctica in global sea-level rise and climate change. It was produced by the Earth Observatory of Singapore, a research organization.

“And, there was a small group of us that [came] down to film about climate change communication and Antarctica’s role, both the film itself and broader aspects of climate change between Antarctica,” said Walker.

Walker knew she had a passion for the field of science. In the local suburbs of Media, Pennsylvania, she ultimately saw herself as a future scientist or professor educating young people about the struggles of environmental changes. 

“So, I was really into environmental science starting in high school, and I was on the environmental science academic team until eventually winning the national competition in my junior year,” said Walker.

However, her academic journey didn’t stop right there. She wanted to continue her research and was given a position as a part of a catalyst for sustainability initiative to promote research. Eventually, she showed her dedication as an employee at Rowan University and was promoted to assistant professor for environmental science. Walker has established herself in the research field, as 21 of her research works have over 300 used citations since 2019. Some of her research works have been featured in multiple scholarly organizations such as Rutgers University and the politics feature on NJ.com.

Walker has a Ph.D. in Oceanography from Rutgers University and taught at Bryn Mawr College and Rutgers before coming to Rowan. In New Jersey, Walker studies sea level rise and “ghost forests,” swaths of trees that have died off from salt water.

“It’s humbling, I was able to write a few higher impact papers which got more citations than ever,” said Walker. 

Walker had the opportunity to work among other individuals who are dedicated to helping the environment. Other researchers include CEO of Green is the New Black, Sean Davies, international award-winning director Liz Courtney, and renowned expedition manager Christine Amour-Levar. 

“It was a really special thing for me, getting to have been in a part of the film, and then be at the US premiere,” said Walker.

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