By Rebecca Sherer
Shortly before embarking on a January 2025 expedition to Antarctica, Shelby Harmon ’25, an animal studies major with minors in biology and psychology, received a diagnosis of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, a severe form of Muscular Dystrophy. This heartbreaking news caused her to reframe her sense of self and future. Her trip would involve physical activities and, initially, she was concerned about how her body would react.
Despite her concerns, Harmon’s passion for travel, wildlife, and environmentalism drove her to continue her plans to take the trip she had dreamed of since childhood. Harmon, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, said she experienced comradery at sea more than ever before while aboard the expedition vessel.
Traveling with Poseidon Expeditions, Harmon’s group set sail for a 12-day journey aboard the M/V Sea Spirit, a small but mighty ship that holds up to 100 passengers. Navigating through the Drake Passage, known to be one of the most dangerous bodies of water in the world, comprised nearly three
days of the voyage.
Harmon experienced physical pain and self-doubt during what she called the hardest hike of her life but gathered the strength to take her time and ultimately reach the summit. This made her realize the expedition was teaching her resilience to overcome the emotional and physical challenges posed by her newly diagnosed condition.
After the hike, Harmon met Ken Wright, an ornithologist who quickly became a mentor to her. Their discussions about Antarctic wildlife helped shape her senior thesis on “The Disappearing Foundation: How Krill Decline Threatens Antarctica and the Planet.” Her research focused on the important role of krill—a group of approximately 86 species of small shrimp-like crustaceans—in the Antarctic ecosystem. She emphasized the negative effects of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) and its threatening impact on the Antarctic ecosystem and the planet, and exposed the over-consumption of krill-based products in the health and wellness
industry while suggesting consumer alternatives.
While attending a seminar during the expedition, Harmon learned about Antarctic Ambassadors—a community supported by International Association Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to encourage and inspire global action for Antarctica. She quickly realized she wanted to extend her advocacy by joining this group. “Being an ambassador allows me to share the urgency of protecting this fragile region in the face of climate change, overfishing, and human impact. It’s an opportunity to educate others about the interconnectedness of Antarctica’s ecosystem with the rest of the world, and inspire collective action,” she said.
Since her trip, Harmon has been harnessing her passion and education to spread awareness of the importance of one of Earth’s most fragile ecosystems. “My time in Antarctica deepened my appreciation for the role of education and the fostering of conservation efforts,” said Harmon.
Harmon now sees a future for herself that involves Antarctica and the continuation of her conservation efforts. “My goal is to be a voice for Antarctica and its wildlife, advocating for the care and respect this remarkable region deserves,” she added.
Her expedition also provided some life-changing moments, like taking a polar plunge into the icy Arctic waters, which she described as a sacred experience. “Everything was just so pristine,” she said. “It felt like another planet, and I saw shades of blue I didn’t know existed.” She also happily reported that she saw the second largest population of gentoo penguins in the world. Looking back at her expedition, Harmon said, “I have never felt more alive and in my element.”
Shelby Harmon shared her “Antarctic Adventures” with the Chambersburg community during a presentation at IceFest 2025.
