Georg Steller, a well-known German biologist made a trans-Siberian biological expedition in 1739. He met Russian explorer Vitus Bering {the Bering Sea is named for him} near the Kamchatka Peninsula.

The Great Northern Expedition, or the Second Kamchatka Expedition (1733 - 1743) was one of the largest exploration enterprises in history. Agreeably it extended Russian sovereignty, but the 3000 who worked on that expedition explored eastern and northern Siberia and extended into North America. That experience behind him, Steller became the biologist with the best experience in Arctic and sub-Arctic areas.

As Vitus Bering planned for his 1740 expedition into the unknown areas across the seas east of Kamchatka, he offered the task of biological expertise to Steller. Steller was pleased to be a part of the expedition and returned from the trip with sketches, pelts, and journals. This was the first time "white man" had traveled into the Alaska Territory that Bering would claim for czarist Russia. Steller is credited with being one of the first non-natives to have set foot upon Alaska soil.

Steller is the first scientist to describe ice floes that were not a part of glaciers and permafrost. Botany being his favorite field, he spent much time analyzing plants that were similar in this land or totally new to him. Several species of animals were named after him including the Steller sea lion, Steller's Jay, Steller's eider, and the now extinct Steller sea cow.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org