In this episode, host Geoff Green, founder and expedition leader of Students on Ice, interviews Irene Shivaei, one of the world's leading astrophysicists. She took part in the SOI 2007 Antarctic Expedition as an eighteen-year-old student. Irene recounts her journey from growing up in Tehran with a passion for astronomy to becoming a leading researcher on the formation and evolution of distant galaxies. As they discuss the 2007 Antarctic expedition, Irene shares a pivotal moment: her first encounter with icebergs, which profoundly deepened her love for Earth. Irene describes the magical experience of seeing the icebergs up close and the inspiration she drew from that moment and how her joy also inspired musician Ian Tamblyn to write a song about it, Thrill To My Heart. Geoff and Irene also reflect on the spirit of exploration, the impact of the Students on Ice program, and the importance of youth connecting across borders. They discuss Irene's subsequent academic and professional achievements, including her work with the NASA James Webb Space Telescope and her current project, Distant Dust. Irene emphasizes the educational value of science, her hopes for future generations, and her enduring connection to her Iranian roots.

You can see the official SOI video of that 2007 Antarctic expedition, including Irene's first encounter with icebergs and Ian Tamblyn's song here. 

And here are Ian's lyrics to Thrill To My Heart - Irene's Song. 

Thrill to My Heart

Thrill to my heart when I hear your laughter

Thrill to my heart when I see you smile

And it moves man to see your rapture

And it moves me – right to my soul.

Thrill to my heart to see you dancing

Thrill to my heart to see you spinning around

You could call this a dance, call this a chapter

It moves me man –right to my soul.

Thrill to my heart – your eye wide open

Takin’ it in – breath deep and be bold

Cuz it moves me man to see your passion

Over the moon to my soul.

Ian Tamblyn - Sea Lynx Music SOCAN. -Jan. 2008.

Many thanks to Ian, a regular musician in residence on SOI expeditions, for sharing the song for this podcast.

Our theme song is Lancaster Sound by Juno award-winning musician and SOI Alum, Sarah Harmer.

Greatest Classroom on Earth is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

00:00 Introduction to Irene Shiva and Her Love for Earth

00:46 Meet Irene Shiva: From Tehran to the Stars

01:43 The Birth of Students on Ice

03:59 Irene's Journey: From Tehran to Astronomy

07:23 The Antarctic Expedition Experience

10:38 Irene encounters Icebergs

20:57 Irene's Career in Astrophysics

33:08 Hope for the Future and Final Thoughts