Alternative energy… renewable energy… non-renewable energy… why all the talk about energy these days? You mean scientists and engineers study energy? But how? Isn’t there energy in all things? If energy cannot be created or destroyed, why be concerned about how we use it? Why are people talking so much about energy efficiency and what does that mean for me?

You ask, “Is energy exciting?” Why, of course it is! It’s electrifying!

Come join the staff of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power at the University of Alaska Fairbanks for a in an investigation of Alaska’s energy issues and an opportunity to use your own ingenuity to design and create useful tools to make energy work for you!

As with any real Alaskan experience, this mission will likely involve creativity and resourcefulness (and, of course, duct tape). And what better place could one find such inspiration than surrounded by clever researchers in one of the nation’s most remarkable natural environments?

Our sustainable energy module will turn your heads like turbines in a glacial valley!  We’ll provide an exciting platform for students to apply natural science, social science, engineering, and math concepts to real world issues facing your communities.  Using hands on activities, it is our goal to inspire you to tackle Alaska’s tough energy challenges.  Students in our module will become both well informed consumers of energy and educated decision-makers. Students will also put their active imaginations to practice in a KidWind Design Challenge to build the most productive turbine, focusing on blade design, gear ratios and foundation stability. We know that you have brilliant ideas, so even as we fuel your thoughts and stimulate your mind, we hope to learn from you!

As a researcher for the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, I am dedicated to a vision of reducing and stabilizing the cost of power in rural Alaska through a combination of renewable power sources and more efficient use of fossil fuels. I hope to teach science literacy through principles of energy conservation and awareness of waste and to increase students’ knowledge of technologies used for energy efficiency and the many uses of energy in our daily activities. I believe that sustained innovation in the energy sector is best accomplished by encouraging future generations to be creative and thoughtful.  

Although I am trained and employed in mechanical engineering, it is my personal interest in theoretical physics that comes in handy for predicting the best days and locations for skiing here in Fairbanks! From California originally, I spent my early career working in the Silicon Valley, and I have since welcomed a simpler, more meaningful life here in Alaska. When I’m not out backpacking, my days away from work are spent walking the trails or snuggling up to a fire in my wood-heated dry log cabin with my two retired sled dogs or cooking and eating large quantities of locally grown food. Life is good!

A life-long passion for earth science and an interest in the never-ending transfer of energy among elements of our natural environment has led me to explore technologies for making the most of our energy resources. I am putting my diverse academic background to good use for understanding the fundamentals of alternative energy research and for sharing exciting innovations and important discoveries with folks just like you!

As a child, it was my dream to become a scientist. As I experienced more of life I learned that I also harbored a passion for education. I am fortunate to have found an avenue for following my dreams to a meaningful, rewarding career with the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, where I have worked as Program Assistant and Education Specialist. In my position, I learn about Alaska’s energy issues, ACEP’s current, past, and future projects aimed at resolving such issues, communicate directly with our research staff about their individual projects and programs, and help our outreach team to deliver this information to the public through teaching, community outreach events, hosted lectures, ACEP’s summer internship program, and publications. I enjoy sharing my passion through education and hope to inspire bright, young people to pursue opportunities for gaining knowledge and experience, especially those that offer an exciting sense of adventure!

It was my own sense of adventure that brought me to Alaska. Living in Fairbanks for the past 9 years, I’ve studied geography, geology, marine science, and education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Over the past few years, I have taken advantage of fantastic opportunities to work in some of the most amazing places, along Alaska’s coastlines, in its gorgeous rivers and seas, and in rural Alaskan villages. Outside of work I soak up time with my children, exploring and learning together. I pour my energy into my work and in return, it energizes my soul.   I hope for a chance to share it with you!