Gina today.

I am now living a more 'normal' life - city living, husband, child - so much so that I have even attended a high school reunion now that I can talk about what I'm doing without feeling too disparate. I have been working, mostly half time, at Murdoch University teaching in environmental science and continuing research on the high latitude upper atmosphere.

Gina shelters from the Antarctic wind, 1985

FrostBytes has brought me some local notoriety in that I am doing a lot of public speaking. This keeps our story alive, and my time in the polar regions close to the surface of experience - kind of podium rather than armchair travel.

I first met my husband, Malcolm Robb, in Antarctica in 1985 when he visited Mawson for a day while sharing a cabin with my then boyfriend, Todd. Later Todd and I visited Malcolm in Alaska where he lived, studied and worked for 15 years. Although originally from Brisbane, he had ventured to Alaska to study oceanography. We got together in the few months before I left Alaska in 1992, forming a relationship based on long-standing friendship, shared friends and parallel experiences. At last I had found someone who would follow ME to wherever I wanted to go!

Malcolm and I married amongst the wildflowers of Western Australia in September, 1993, with Pene alongside. In July 1994, Lillian Orion Stuart Robb was born at home. I find mothering completely absorbing, an adventure in itself. I value time at home, being able to walk, train or ride to most places (except work), and the network of support I have found in our neighbourhood.

Lillian is determined, nature loving and sports my rosy cheeks. She has thrived on long term breast feeding and we all enjoy the family bed. Balancing work and home life is, however, a constant challenge.

1998 has been a year of loss: I lost my father in January and will lose my job at the end of the year. I have been at Murdoch on an effective 6 year contract which will not be renewed due to a federally enforced restructuring of the conditions under which fixed term contracts can be offered. This situation reflects the sad reality of academic life in Australian universities. There are few openings, little security, and increasing pressures put on staff.

On the bright side however, the timing is perfect as Malcolm and I are expecting our number two in January. Some time on the home front will be a good opportunity to assess my situation.

Gina's Academic publications. Perhaps a little dry for the general browser.

Introduction | About FrostBytes |
Antarctica | Alaska | Aurora |
Friendship | Pene today | Gina today |
Dog sledging | Contact Details | Related sites

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