UA Newswire April 1, 2025

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April 1, 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

Grassroots pantry at UAA is aimed at easing food insecurity among students

The Seawolf Food Pantry now occupies a bright room in the Professional Studies Building where students can pick up nonperishable food for themselves and household members at no cost. The “re-launch” event celebrated the pantry’s recent expansion with games and tours.

Contact: Katie Bender

Two Seawolf Food Pantry staff stand in doorway of pantry while two visitors look in

After it first opened in 2022, the pantry helped 10 to 20 students a month. Now it serves more than 50 students each month.

Capitol Corner: Continuing discussions on education, looking toward workforce development

This week Senate Labor and Commerce Committee heard a presentation from the University of Alaska Anchorage on all of the options that they provide for workforce development. This hearing was jam-packed with usable information for folks who want to learn more about what UAA has to offer.

Contact: Katie Bender

Tom Sexton, former state poet laureate, is remembered for his ‘unbelievable’ influence teaching Alaska writers

It’s difficult to overstate the impact Tom Sexton had on generations of Alaska writers.

As an English and creative writing professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage for nearly 25 years, Sexton spurred young writers to chase opportunity and inspiration.

Sexton died this month at age 84, leaving a legacy as a prolific poet, an influential instructor and an initiator of literary platforms in the state.

Contact: Katie Bender

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Arctic Security Researcher Troy Bouffard Strives for Real-World Relevance in His Work

Bouffard is an assistant professor of Arctic Security at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, director of the Center for Arctic Security and Resilience (CASR), Arctic Council EPPR project member, and former Arctic Advisor to US Senator Lisa Murkowski.

Bouffard ended up in Alaska through his military service, which spiked a life-long interest in the Arctic. After retiring from the military, he settled in the USA's Far North, working on Arctic security and policy for 21 years and still counting.

Contact: Marmian Grimes

Dr. Troy Bouffard standing in Norway, with badge, suit and glasses on

Dr. Troy Bouffard visited Bodø in Northern Norway for the Arctic Council's Arctic Emergency Management conference. (Photo by High North News)

Drone Industry Buoyed by US Transportation Secretary’s BVLOS Comments

Comments made by new US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during his Senate confirmation hearing indicate the FAA will move forward with a rule-making process to establish regulations for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations, according to industry observers closely following the issue.

Catherine Cahill, director of the Alaska Center for UAS Integration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, said it is likely the NPRM will keep in place a general 400 ft. altitude limit for flying drones.

Contact: Marmian Grimes

Sikuliaq operating agreement extended through 2028 The U.S. National Science Foundation has funded the first year of a new $53.8 million, four-year cooperative agreement with the University of Alaska Fairbanks to continue operating the research vessel Sikuliaq through the end of calendar year 2028. Contact: Marmian Grimes

University of Alaska Southeast

Language, love and community with Emmy Award winner Dr. X̱’unei Lance Twitchell

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Dr. X̱’unei Lance Twitchell won an Emmy Award for his writing on the episode “Not a Mascot” for the PBS Kids show “Molly of Denali.” It’s the first Emmy for Twitchell and the children’s program after receiving Emmy nominations years prior for his writing on the first national children’s program to feature an Alaska Native child as a lead character.

Contact: Elizabeth Cornejo

Lance Twitchell accepts his Emmy award on stage wearing a traditional yellow and black covering

Dr. Twitchell accepts his award at the ceremony.

Rural Alaskans can make a difference in subsistence policy

A Mt. Edgecumbe High School senior describes learning more about how policy is set.

"Being so intertwined with our ways of life with my family and community, pushed me to take the Federal Subsistence Board Policy and Procedures class at the University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus. This class showed me how much our regional advisory councils listen to the voices in their communities, and that they actually bring these concerns to the Federal Subsistence Board."

Contact: Elizabeth Cornejo

The University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor, Dr. Aparna Palmer, discusses the new Yamaha maintenance certificate and the upcoming UA Giving Day

The UAS Chancellor sits down for her recurring interview segment with Juneau Afternoon. Palmer discusses the upcoming Yamaha maintenance certificate program, which is a five-course series, the first of which beginning in April. She also goes over UA Giving Day through challenges and activities specific to UAS.

Contact: Elizabeth Cornejo

UA System Office

UA Giving Day raises over $1 million for 49-hour fundraiser

On Tuesday, the University of Alaska Anchorage began its 49-hour fundraiser aimed to help academic and extracurricular programs at campuses statewide, and on Thursday, they celebrated the generosity of more than 2,500 donors.

The total funds raised reached $1.3 million. Some donors used the hashtag “#49HoursForAlaska” to share their reasons for giving on social media.

Contact: Maggie Demers

The three UA mascots pose with "1000 Donors!"

Programs to benefit from the donations include scholarships, student success initiatives, and research opportunities.

UA Giving Day highlights support for students and programs

Gymnast Alyssa Manley shares that Giving Day has helped the gymnastics team in more than just getting new equipment, saying, "I came in 2020 when the program was about to be cut, and we started Giving Day, and that helped a lot of donors bring in our funds."

Contact: Maggie Demers

Capitol Report: The University of Alaska news from the State Capitol

The University of Alaska’s Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative (ACMC) gave a presentation to the Senate Resources Committee on Wednesday, highlighting the valuable work they’re doing to advance critical minerals research, education, technology, and partnerships.

The future is bright for critical mineral development in Alaska and legislators, especially those focused on the state’s resource industry, are eager to hear about the efforts UA and the ACMC are making to support Alaska’s critical minerals potential.

The ACMC presentation is available to watch on the legislature’s website.

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.