THE CREW

MARIANO LOPEZ

Age
38 pirulos

Profession
Good question!
Health professional, mental health advocate, clinic coordinator

Diplomas
BS in psychology, UQAM
BA in arts and sciences
Certificate in group leadership and drug addiction
Minor in Criminology, Université de Montréal

Major in Communications
University of Buenos Aires
Specializing in short term, solution-based therapies

Relevant Experience
I have worked for the last ten years on issues of crisis intervention.
In charge of family and relational services at Suicide Action Montreal, since June 2001.
Clinic coordinator, working at Le Portage Centre, with a clientele of schizophrenics and drug addicts.
In charge of the Aboriginal program and the violence awareness program at the St. Jerome detention centre, working with an Inuit clientele.
Social advocate and street worker in shantytowns, early in my career.

Job During Mission Antarctica
I will be involved in the mental health of one of the few client bases I have never worked with before: adventurers and scientists.
I will be working in close collaboration with Dr. Francois Prevost in overseeing the mental and physical health of the crew. I will also responsible for research protocols in extreme environments and the various levels of adaptation, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Suedfeld of UBC, the Canadian Space Agency, and NASA.
I will also help various members of the scientific group to gather field data.
And last but not least, I will be the official organizer of Antartica’s greatest Ice Barrel Championship ever.

Personal Goals and Motivations
Stepping out of the rat race, accepting life in an environment of emptiness, the unknown and darkness.
Facing the ocean, the cold and the winds.
Enjoying the privilege of coming into contact with one of those rare places that is still undiscovered and mysterious.
Participating in a fascinating and challenging human experiment; learning, getting carried away and sharing experiences.
Human beings have always fascinated me, and I hope they will continue to do so after seven to nine months of wintering in.

What I Hope to Accomplish During the Expedition
Winning Antarctica’s greatest ice barrel championship ever.

Greatest Fears During the Expedition
That I might start finding penguins attractive and charming after a few months of winter abstinence.

 

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