August 21, 2015
A recent article in the Washington Post featured the Alaska Center for Energy and Power and its work with Oceana Energy Co. on hydrokinetic turbines.
Eugenie Euskirchen, research associate professor at the Institute of Arctic Biology, successfully tested two lasers that measure carbon dioxide and methane in the air and a ground-penetrating radar capable of identifying permafrost layers and their depths. Her work is part of a pilot study to refine and develop such instruments. Collaborators include colleagues at NASA Goddard and George Washington University.
Institute of Arctic Biology scientist Robert “Trey” Coker is developing a nutritional supplement that will preserve skeletal muscle, decrease fatty liver disease, improve the oxidation-reduction balance in the liver and lessen oxidative stress due to alcohol use — a health issue of particular concern to Alaskans. Turning Point Counseling Service in Fairbanks is a project collaborator.
Alene Christiansen’s recent estate gift added over $37,000 to the Edward K. and Alene R. Christiansen Music Scholarship at the College of Liberal Arts. Alene passed away in April. The scholarship provides annual financial aid of $10,000 to music students taking upper division classes.
Chancellor Brian Rogers and Sherry Modrow made a pledge of $15,000 to complete their $25,000 gift to the Troth Yeddha' Legacy, coming on as Nauta donors to this initiative. Nauta donors are founding investors in the $25 million effort to complete the indigenous studies center and develop Troth Yeddha’ Park on the Fairbanks campus.
Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo contributed $20,000 toward its $50,000 pledge to the UAF School of Management's emergency management program.
The Outdoor Foundation, a subsidiary of The North Face Inc., presented a check for $14,827 to the UAF Girls on Ice program. The program, operating in Alaska and Washington, is a free wilderness science education program for high school girls. The Outdoor Foundation supports organizations working to build appreciation for the outdoors.
The Seattle Foundation gave $11,000 to support scholarships for students at the UAF Native Arts Center. The center offers studio space to students working on undergraduate and graduate degrees in Native art. In this academic field, UAF is the only school in Alaska offering a Bachelor of Fine Art and is one of only a few universities nationwide offering a Master of Fine Art.
Marianne Guffey donated a tool box and tools to the Community and Technical College for the Hutchison Institute of Technology’s diesel shop. The institute opened in fall 2004 as a partnership between the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and CTC, after an upgrade of the district’s former Hutchison Career Center building. The tools will allow students to participate in classes and shop work even when they can’t buy their own tools.
UAF staff, faculty and alumni are invited to join a special celebration Aug. 27 to honor UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers and Sherry Modrow for 45 years of involvement with the university. RSVP at https://www.uaf.edu/chancellor/retirement/.