From June to September 2015, I was part of a convoy of local and international scientists in Utqiaġvik (aka Barrow), Alaska, to work on a story about Arctic research, climate change, and culture. Aiming to put a human face on the massive amount of research being done in the US Arctic and highlight its importance beyond political boundaries, I packed my things and took off to the northernmost point of the US. The Arctic has the stereotype of being pristine and untouched. To that end, science is thought to be practiced within a pristine and untouched environment. Spotless white lab coats, disinfected surfaces, closed-toed shoes. Both happen to be vividly inhabited and complex. Formidable logistical obstacles mingle with human enthusiasm in the quest to make a life for oneself or conduct research. A shifting culture on the front line of climate change. Men and women looking for answers, practicing methods. Consequences and opportunities. All part of an intricate plot that never stops evolving. I have never been in a place that constantly challenged my convictions so much. The camera allows me to interact and participate in the life of people that I otherwise wouldn't be able to. I do it to experience or at least interpret their experiences. This journey was possible thanks to the generosity of Dr. Craig Tweedie and The Systems Ecology Laboratory at The University of Texas at El Paso. Also, with the support of the local El Paso arts community.

FLORENCIA MAZZA RAMSAY, Argentinian-born photographer and retoucher whose commercial credits include Playboy Spain, Mercedes-Benz (Argentina) and Porsche (Argentina), has a trademark way of capturing the sexiest images in the unlikeliest of places. Florencia brings a fresh and seductive look to the current landscape of fashion photography. Armed with a professional attitude and strong work ethic, Mazza Ramsay is sure to make her mark in every project she participates in. Her work is proven to captivate the hearts and minds of not only the most discerning critics but the general public, as well. JUXTAPOZ Magazine says of her portfolio, “…(It) exposes all of the lust and appeal that would be expected from South America. With experience in all types of high fashion, luxury and provocative shoots Florencia’s work speaks for itself.” Including her as a featured artist, The WallBreakers blog posts Florencia has the “…ability to capture both the curves and sharp angles of a woman’s body. A quick glance through, and you can see that she’s equally as adept at capturing human emotion through facial expressions.”