Prof John Cottle cannot help it.
The former Outram resident has been appointed Antarctica New Zealand’s chief scientific adviser.
Chief executive Sarah Williamson said Prof Cottle (39) was an ‘‘experienced Antarctican’’, having spent 10 field seasons on the ice, worked with the New Zealand, United States and Italian programmes, and in between lectured at the University of California Santa Barbara.
She said it was a ‘‘privilege’’ to have someone of Prof Cottle’s calibre lead the science team.
“He is a bit of a rock-star in the science world, has won numerous prestigious awards and published over 100 scientific articles.’’
Prof Cottle said he was delighted to be returning to New Zealand from California next April.
“With the introduction of the Antarctic Science Platform and the Scott Base redevelopment project, this is an exciting time for Antarctica New Zealand.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my international scientific knowledge and polar experience to the team.”
His parents in Outram are delighted.
‘‘John has been overseas for 15 years and is coming back to New Zealand with his wife and family, which is probably the best Christmas present we’ve ever had,’’ father David said.
