As a teenager, Juan Vicente de Miguel had one goal: get to Tromsø.
Growing up in Pamplona, Spain, he was already passionate about nature, marine biology — and photography. He enrolled in a double bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Sciences, knowing it could open the door to an exchange in Norway.
He studied hard and made it happen, spending a year in Tromsø.
After finishing his degree back in Spain, he returned north. First as a northern lights guide and research intern, then as a student once again.
Working outdoors, meeting people from around the world, and using his camera gave him both freedom and direction.
Now 25, Juan is working on a master’s degree in Arctic marine ecology and building a life inspired by science, photography, and a deep respect for the changing North.
– A lot of people don’t get to choose what they want to do. That’s why I want to give something back through my work, he reflects.
Research with impact
Juan’s master’s thesis is part of a broader collaboration between NINA, Akvaplan-niva, and UNIS. Together, they’re exploring how Arctic ecosystems are shifting under climate change — especially the links between land and sea, which have long been studied separately.
His research focuses on Svalbard, where he’s looking at how freshwater from rivers affects biological production in Arctic fjords.
As glaciers retreat and permafrost thaws, more water — along with sediments and nutrients — flows from land into the sea. These changes are altering the dynamics of life in coastal ecosystems, but the full impact is still not well understood.
So better understanding these connections is essential.
Photo by Juan via Instagram.
The Arctic is extremely diverse, both in time and space, Juan explains.
– What we observe in one place might look completely different somewhere else. That’s why this kind of research is so urgent, especially now.
The Arctic is a warning light for the rest of the planet
A camera, and a mission
Photography has been part of Juan’s life since he was half the age he’s now.
He started out on weekend trips with his father, who introduced him to the camera. After his father passed away, photography became something more — a way to hold on to that connection, and to express what he felt about the natural world.
In the Arctic, that mission has deepened. Juan uses his lens to capture both the beauty and the fragility of the region. His goal isn’t just to document. It’s also to move people.
– I want my photos to transmit what I feel. If I can make someone care about the Arctic through an image, that’s already something, he says.
One image stands out: a polar bear hunting on the sea ice.
He took it during his first Arctic expedition, and it’s stayed with him since.
– It reminded me how brutal and beautiful nature can be.
Photo by Juan via Instagram.
Building a life up north
Living in Tromsø, far from his family, isn’t always easy.
But Juan says he feels supported, and that support gives him strength. He’s found a rhythm here: a place where science, creativity, and community come together.
– I feel lucky. Not everyone gets to choose what they do with their life. I know I’m very privileged to have the life I do.
He explains that his plan is to stay in the Arctic for now, doing research that matters, and using his camera to tell the world why this region deserves care.
His message to other young people?
– Come north. It’s challenging. But your work can really matter here.
Photo by Juan via Instagram.
This interview was conducted by Markus Thonhaugen from the High North Center, Nord University and Eva Chamorro from APECS as part of the YoungArctic project — an initiative working to make the Arctic a more attractive place for young people to settle, work, and live. Through our Instagram page and this blog, we share stories from youth across the region — to better understand their lives, hopes, and challenges.