People of UA 2014

Introducing Kiara Svensson
 

I have called Alaska my home for the past 15 years. I'm attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks with the goal of obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Justice and an Associate’s degree in Human Services. I am also currently working as a Grant Coordinator on campus for the Institute of Arctic Biology (IAB).

I work collaboratively with grant awardees - beginning with the award notification to the final billing stage. My position is unique as it allows me the opportunity to work directly with grad students, professors and staff throughout the entire UAF campus. I am constantly learning and am amazed by the research considered and funded through this process. I thoroughly enjoy what I do and appreciate the experiences I’ve been provided as both a student and an employee on the Fairbanks campus.

Shaping:
Out of the five “Shaping Alaska’s Future” themes, I find that I identify most with Theme 4: Research and Development. I chose this theme, as I work directly within a research institute that is funded by private, state and federal agencies.

Each of the issue statements under Theme 4 are addressed in some way through IAB. In particular, Issue D under this theme points to the importance of supporting University of Alaska scholars who seek to tackle pressing issues brought on by ecological change in circumpolar communities.

Research in all capacities is essential, as it contributes to the success and survival of Alaskan communities. Within my department are projects that focus on Arctic exploration, international collaborative research in the circumpolar regions, neuroscience study, ecological development and Alaska Native health research. Many of the issue and effect statements are being studied and explored directly through the IAB department. 

 

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The names selected for these profiles are generated by random from the UA People Directory. If you are a UA faculty, staff and/or student please check and update your listing at https://people.alaska.edu/.