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March 4, 2025

Research, workforce development and economic growth news stories and other feature articles from the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Southeast, University of Alaska System Office and the UA Foundation. Compiled by the University of Alaska System Office of Public Affairs.

University of Alaska Anchorage

PWSC alum’s research envisions new opportunities for coastal Alaska

Sean Mueller graduated from Prince William Sound College (PWSC) with an associate degree in fall 2024. Last month, he returned to Alaska to present his research on kelp farming at the Alaska Marine Sciences Symposium, held in Anchorage Jan. 27-31. 

Mueller’s research focused on testing laboratory methods that could help establish kelp farms in Prince William Sound. The project involved preparing kelp sorus — the reproductive tissue in kelp — to induce spore release. 

Contact: Austin Osborne

young man in blue hat reaches above to press a button on large machineMarine natural sciences student Sean Mueller sets up an incubator for a kelp mariculture research project at UAA's Prince William Sound College in Valdez, Alaska. (Photo by James Evans / University of Alaska Anchorage)
CITC’s First Fredeen Fellow Wants to Build Networks for Creative Thinkers

Since October, Kierann has spent her fellowship working in CITC’s Denełchin Lab, a makerspace equipped with state-of-the-art technology like 3D printers, robotic routers, and laser cutters.

“I’m interested in tackling issues related to technology and innovation by creating solutions that meet the specific needs of Indigenous communities,” she said. “Part of this [fellowship] is trying to narrow my focus, but also expanding the skills I already have, which—this is a great place to do it.”

Contact: Austin Osborne
UAA School of Education awarded state grants to strengthen Alaska’s education workforce

The UAA School of Education has been awarded three new grants by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to support apprentice educators in Kodiak, update apprenticeship coursework and launch a leadership initiative in partnership with the University of Alaska Southeast.

Contact: Austin Osborne

University of Alaska Fairbanks

UAF student wins award from national chemistry organization

A University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate student researcher has been named one of 20 recipients nationally of a top award from the American Chemical Society.

James Campbell, a doctoral student at the UAF Geophysical Institute and College of Natural Science and Mathematics, will receive the 2025 Graduate Student Award in Environmental Chemistry.

Campbell has focused his research on Fairbanks wintertime air quality, which is among the nation’s worst due in part to the weak dispersion by wind of particulates from residential heating and vehicle use.

Contact: Rod Boyce

A young man with facial hair and grey beanie smiles at the camera from inside a labJames Cambell (photo by Eric Marshall)
Atlantic waters affect Arctic Ocean more than previously known

According to a new study co-authored by several researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ International Arctic Research Center, the flow is now affecting the Amerasian Basin, the larger of the Arctic Ocean’s two major basins. The region includes the waters extending northward from eastern Siberia, Alaska, Canada and western Greenland.

The study, published in the journal Science Advances, describes how the processes related to the abnormal flow — called Atlantification — can affect the Arctic climate. 

Contact: Marmian Grimes
Alaska-developed volcano monitoring system will expand across U.S.

A new radar-based volcano monitoring system developed by the University of Alaska Fairbanks and U.S. Geological Survey will expand across the U.S. and beyond.

The expansion, funded by NASA, could lead to earlier detection of volcanic unrest.

Contact: Marmian Grimes

University of Alaska Southeast

Southeast Alaska students learn to shape resource policy through federal board process

A unique University of Alaska Southeast program is teaching high school students how to participate in federal subsistence management decisions by bringing them directly into the public process.

The dual enrollment course, which offers high school students two university biology credits, prepares participants to engage effectively with the Federal Subsistence Board - the body overseeing subsistence hunting and fishing regulations on federal public lands in Alaska.

Contact: Elizabeth Cornejo

two boys and one girl sit in front of laptops in a conference room(From left to right) Petersburg high school students Oliver Peterson and Thomas Olsen-Phillips remotely connect to the Heather Bauscher's UAS course with assistance from Avery Herman-Sakamoto in the Petersburg Public Library conference room.
Love language: How to say you care for someone in Lingít

A group of University of Alaska Southeast students in Ḵaakal.áat Florence Marks Sheakley’s class saw the value of saying you care for someone in Lingít, too. They made a list of other terms of endearment. 

Contact: Elizabeth Cornejo
University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor Dr. Aparna Palmer on new degree programs

Chancellor Palmer speaks on the podcast Juneau Afternoon about UAS' new degree programs and more. 

Contact: Elizabeth Cornejo

UA System Office

University of Alaska president highlights impact on workforce, research and economy in address

University of Alaska President Pat Pitney focused on the university’s critical role in retaining talent and driving the state’s research, workforce and economic development in the recent annual State of the University address. 

But Pitney acknowledged in the Jan. 30 speech that there are “headwinds” and challenges, like the numbers of high school graduates declining, rising costs, and the uncertainty ignited by recent federal executive orders and potential budget cuts.

Contact: Jonathon Taylor

President Pitney stands on a stage beghind a podium with a projection screen behind her and people at tables in frontUA President Pitney gives her 2025 State of the University address in Juneau
Alaska college scholarship program sees increased participation after major reforms

More Alaska students are using a college scholarship paid to high-performing graduates after the Legislature increased award amounts last year, according to a recent report from the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.

Contact: Jonathon Taylor
University of Alaska reaches tentative 3-year contract agreement with union representing adjunct faculty

The agreement is effective through June 30, 2028, and provides an estimated $730K to UNAD members over the duration of the agreement. The new agreement, while largely a continuation of the current contract, includes across-the-board increases of 2.75%, 3%, and 3.25% for FY26, FY27, and FY28, respectively, mirroring the recently approved UNAC contract. It also aligns with UA’s desire to balance faculty recruitment and retention with fiscal sustainability.

Contact: Jonathon Taylor

 
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The University of Alaska is an equal opportunity/equal access employer and educational institution. The university is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.