Carl R. Eklund was a leading American specialist in ornithology and geographic research in both the north and south polar regions.

From 1939-41 he served as ornithologist at the East Base of the U.S. Antarctic Service. This was the first modern US. Government-sponsored expedition to Antarctica, and the third of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd's Antarctic commands. In addition to his collection of animal life for the Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Eklund made one of the longest Antarctic dog sled journeys in history, accompanying Finn Ronne

Finn Ronne

Finn Ronne was a U.S. Antarctic explorer.-Background:Finn Ronne was born in Horten, in Vestfold county, Norway. His father, Martin Rønne , was a polar explorer and served in Roald Amundsen's successful expedition to the South Pole...

. Islands sighted near the turning point of this journey were named the Eklund Islands

Eklund Islands

The Eklund Islands are a group of islands which rise through the ice near the southwest end of George VI Sound towards the south of the Antarctic Peninsula....

 in his honour by the Board of Geographical Names.

He was appointed as the first Scientific Station Leader of the Wilkes Station

Wilkes Station

Wilkes Station was an Antarctic research station established 29 January 1957 by the United States as one of seven U.S. stations established for the International Geophysical Year program in Antarctica...

, Antarctica.

He received his Ph.D.in zoology and geography from the University of Maryland

University of Maryland

When the term "University of Maryland" is used without any qualification, it generally refers to the University of Maryland, College Park.University of Maryland may refer to the following:...

, and his B.A. from Carlton College.