Join us for an inspiring afternoon as we explore the power of human resilience. Two chapter members will share their valuable research and insights, offering unique perspectives on how individuals and communities build strength in the face of adversity.

Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 Time: 1:00-4:00 PM Location: Bellingham Public Library in the Lecture Room, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 Speakers: Donna Oliver and Constance Schaffer

Dr. Constance Scharff: As the climate changes and conflicts abound, human beings face unprecedented mental health impacts. Dr. Scharff (MN '24), founder and director of The Human Reslience Project, will share her 20 year exploration into human resilience. Spanning 40 nations, Dr. Scharff has lived with and learned from indigenous and marginalized communities around the globe, to find the commonalities in how human beings successfully build resilience to face often overwhelming circumstances with fortitude and hope.

Dr. Donna Oliver: Donna’s 1977 Antarctic winter study marked the start of a transformative career in polar research. Her pioneering work on salutogenesis revealed that isolation can foster positive psychological outcomes, reshaping our understanding of human adaptation in extreme environments. As the first woman to winter with an all-male crew, she challenged gender norms, paving the way for greater diversity, with women now comprising 40% of polar scientists. Her enduring contributions continue to shape polar psychology and inspire advancements in science and resilience.