Jake joined ALE in September of 2022 on the heels of two years with the United States Antarctic Program. His time with USAP included one summer and two winters in Antarctica, where he served as a Heavy Equipment Operator on the South Pole Traverse and a Foreman/Operator for the maintenance, construction, and testing of Phoenix Airfield at McMurdo Station. Jake is from Patoka, Illinois, and he earned his engineering degree from nearby Kaskaskia College. His work experience includes LTL logistics management, logistics and inventory control management in biotechnology, custom wheat harvesting field operations management, and oil and gas midstream construction, testing, and maintenance. For recreation, Jake enjoys scuba diving, overland vehicle travel, 4×4 club involvement, and self-improvement in the form of continuing education, among other things.