Breaking the ice: A rare dive into the Arctic’s secrets

In a first-of-its-kind project to study one of the planet’s last unexplored environments, Roger Tipton, UNC Charlotte research associate professor of mechanical engineering and engineering science, is leading a team of researchers from multiple universities that will investigate contaminants in the Arctic’s pristine waters. This rare opportunity has become possible with the recent weakening and melting of the Arctic ice field. The research of Tipton and his team will provide a first-ever, critical baseline on water pollutants such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.