Unlike the stereotypical scientist, who has thick glasses, a white laboratory coat and an obsession with scientific jargon, the 37-year-old possesses a good sense of humor and, fortunately, an ability to translate complicated scientific concept into plain, easy -to-understand language. Suchana would never be recognized as a scientist at first glance. But in conversation, her intellect is easy to spot. Her fascination with science sprang from her familiarity with the sea and nature as a child. It will take her three weeks on the icebreaker to get to Antartica.