I’m excited to introduce my first issue of Frontiers magazine. This publication and the articles we’ve chosen for this issue are strong examples of the breadth and depth of research I’m getting acquainted with as UAF’s newest vice chancellor for research. From the broad range of studies UAF researchers are conducting in the Chukchi Sea (see page 6) to the detailed work of updating the Alaska Native Language Map (see page 14), our researchers are part of an exciting and dynamic enterprise that is essential to Alaska’s future.

Part of my job is to communicate the value of UAF research to state, national and international organizations and to help build strategic partnerships. By effectively communicating the work we are doing, I can ensure that UAF maintains its position as Alaska’s research university. But we must also be realistic about a changing economic landscape. I am already working to find new and creative ways to fund research during these challenging economic times. For example, I’ve brought together researchers from across our institutes to create an oil spill research team that will be able to quickly and effectively provide our existing expertise to federal, state and private entities as development proceeds in circum-Arctic waters (see page 3). These kinds of collaborations will build on our reputation as a leading research university that can bring expertise in the physical and biological sciences together to provide solutions to very difficult problems.

I’ve also begun work with the Statewide Committee on Research to collaborate with Alaska’s leaders and develop a statewide plan for research. At the same time, I’m bringing together UAF’s experts to develop a strategic plan of our own. This plan will enhance individual and collective integrated research across our campus and provide us with a common vision as we develop new ideas and build on existing projects.

At the root of research on our campus are our undergraduates. In the past few months, I’ve enjoyed being engaged in the efforts at UAF to grow our undergraduate research programs. UAF is committed to the students and is solidifying that commitment by creating an office of undergraduate research that will open this summer. My office will continue to support these efforts and ensure that students at UAF have access to the world-class research underway in our schools and institutes.
Over the coming months I hope to continue spending time getting to know our researchers, students and facilities. I am working hard to build stronger internal ties between our own research institutions, centers and researchers. I encourage you to share with me your ideas, and look forward to serving UAF research.

—Mark Myers
UAF Vice Chancellor for Research