Stories

Troy Juniel helped collect the oldest ice core ever found – over 4 million years old. He also banded baby penguins and stood on top of Mt. Erebus, the southernmost volcano in the world. For someone who isn’t a scientist, Juniel has had a front-row seat to some of the coolest science discoveries on planet Earth. He spent the better part of two decades providing science support and logistics in Antarctica, where complex geography and austere conditions require all-hands-on-deck to ensure scientists can complete their research missions. 

 “Often, these scientists have their life’s work on the line,” said Juniel. “We’re talking about years, if not decades, of research, so getting the logistics right is incredibly important.”

Getting it right means supervising cold chain logistics and personally accompanying ice core samples to the National Science Foundation (NSF) Ice Core Facility. Juniel served as the cargo supervisor for the United States Antarctica Program (USAP), which is part of the NSF. In this role, Juniel worked closely with USAP as they evaluated proposals to ensure feasibility and supportability. Once NSF selected the grantees, he worked closely with them on implementation plans during the season – mapping out cargo shipments across the continent and packing up supplies and gear for scientists to take to field camps. Because there are limits on the number of assistants who can accompany grantees to Antarctica, operations team members were often cross-trained to provide science support, such as helping move field camps or observing seal populations.

Growing up, Troy Juniel never imagined himself in a science-related career. When he imagined his professional life, he didn’t picture himself working in Antarctica. But as he approached his 29^th birthday, he felt adrift in Arizona, working frantically and unsure of his next move. 

 “I wanted to reevaluate my life and make a change,” said Juniel. “I had an uncle who worked in power generation in Antarctica in the ‘90s, so I knew a little about the support roles there. I decided to spend the winter there.” 

That season, he changed the trajectory of his life and career. 

“It’s hard to describe what spending that first winter in Antarctica did for me,” recalled Juniel. “That first season (January 2006), there were only about 125 of us wintering over. Some people may imagine Antarctica as cold and lonely, but I felt more warmth and connection there than I had in my entire adult life.”

Juniel liked that it felt remote, and as an only child, he enjoyed the quiet and disconnecting from the pace of life in the U.S.

“I was an only child, so I think I welcomed the peaceful atmosphere,” Juniel mused. “I found a welcoming and accepting community, and the proximity brought us together. I had meaningful conversations at all three meals, and I really found a sense of purpose.” 

Juniel continued working in Antarctica for the next 18 years. Some years, he worked the winter seasons, and then, from August 2011, he worked the summer seasons continuously. At one point, he spent 14 months at McMurdo Station. 

“I valued the close engagement with the science community in Antarctica,” said Juniel. “Many of these science teams have multiyear projects, so supporting their ongoing research felt so rewarding. They have such passion for their research. Essentially, their purpose helped give me purpose.” 

Since joining KBR, Juniel has worked on rotational assignments, expanding his global supply chain and logistics management expertise in complex and austere locations. 

“The scientific research in Antarctica matters, and I’ve always been dedicated to the USAP. I saw an opportunity to join KBR, where I believe the culture and values align with the USAP mission.”