Dr. Erin D. Trochim is a geospatial data scientist whose work links advanced technology with the practical challenges of resilience in the North and beyond. As a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Institute of Northern Engineering, she leads applied research using Earth observation, artificial intelligence, and geospatial modeling to inform energy, infrastructure, and environmental security across Alaska and the broader Arctic.

Her projects combine field-grounded science with computational innovation — from mapping coastal bathymetry with symbolic deep learning models, to modeling interconnection routes for Arctic energy networks and advancing frameworks that reshape how geospatial questions guide data and policy.

A systems approach characterizes Dr. Trochim’s work: she builds teams that integrate engineering, social science, and machine intelligence to turn complex data into actionable insight. This approach helps partners—from federal agencies to communities—anticipate and adapt to environmental change.

She has been part of the UAF research community since 2006, earning her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Hydrology and Remote Sensing, after completing a B.Sc. in Geography at the University of Calgary. She also holds an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. Beyond research, Dr. Trochim mentors students and early-career scientists, leads data-for-good collaborations, and contributes to national conversations on ethical, place-based applications of AI. She is a Google Developer Expert in Earth Engine and a 2025 Google Research Scholar, recognized for advancing responsible, high-impact geospatial AI.