#AntarcticLog is a series of comics by Karen Romano Young. You can find the originals here.

There’s something truly thrilling happening in the sciences — an effort to increase diversity and inclusion among the ranks. Across our research institutions I see a new emphasis on supporting all, and inspiring more to target science for their own careers. Because I write and draw so much for young people, that’s where I’ve put my energy for the last year and a half, and now I’m ready to share it.  Here’s just a taste: 

That’s Keri Nelson, whom I met at Palmer Station during my stint there in 2018. She’s an ambassador for Antarctica, even featured in the wonderful film Antarctica: A Year on Ice. Now, she’s shared with I Was a Kid her journey through several careers to her current one administering research stations.  

If you switch over to IWasaKid.com, you’ll find a big comic about Keri — and 15 other people working in various science fields. They represent diversity in background, religion, race, gender, sexuality, mental and physical ability — and the viewpoints that are set to transform our field. 

Besides comics, I Was a Kid offers childhood photos, audio interviews, and information about crossroads, decisions, problems and solutions to serve as examples for kids today. 

I hope you’ll take a look! 

–Karen Romano Young is a writer, artist, deep-sea diver, and polar explorer. Follow her on Twitter & Instagram.