Emily Burke

Emily’s first polar experience was in 2016, as a scientist living at a remote Antarctic field camp to study Adélie penguins at Cape Crozier. She was enamored with the endless sunlight, the vast landscapes, and the abundance of wildlife where the sea bordered the icy island. Emily decided then that she would continue working and exploring in Polar Regions and began guiding with Quark in 2019. She loves the wonder and awe that these rugged landscapes and dynamic wildlife inspire in guests and how each day is unique.

When not guiding in the high latitudes, Emily teaches marine science to university students aboard traditionally rigged sailing ships in New Zealand and the South Pacific islands. Since Emily graduated from Harvard University with a degree in evolutionary biology and ecology, her interests in science, adventure and education have also led her to conduct seabird and fisheries research in the Salish Sea, guide sea kayaking expeditions in Alaska’s Kenai Fjords, develop educational programs for environmental non-profits, and earn her captain’s license.

Emily lives on a sailboat based out of Seward, Alaska, where she can be found playing mandolin, sketching mountain and ocean scenes, and enjoying locally harvested foods. Wherever she explores coastlines and currents, she brings an infectious enthusiasm for adventure and the natural world that engages everyone around her. While aboard your Quark voyage, you can find Emily sipping coffee on deck, gazing at the coastline and taking in the idyllic environment around her.