Arctic Leadership Initiative

Early Career Faculty Opportunities

AY2025 Fellowships have already been made. Stay tuned for information and the application for FY26.

The University of Alaska has four new Postdoctoral Fellowships available to support the Arctic Leadership Initiative. 

In addition to augmenting UA’s research capacity, the recipients are part of a leadership team drawn from all three UA universities that will implement the Arctic Leadership Initiative. Postdoctoral Fellows will work with closely with faculty mentors, external partners, and student teams to solve problems and advance opportunities in the Arctic.

AY2025 Award recipients are:

  • Dr. Brandi Kamermans (UAF), whose research will focus on salmon assessment based on DNA shed.

  • Dr. Eduard Zdor (UAF), who will conduct circumpolar research about protecting traditional subsistence rights.

  • Dr. Memphis Hill (UAA), whose research will focus on sustainable critical mineral extraction methods in the Arctic.

  • Dr. Megan Behnke (UAS), whose research will focus on the effect of glacial melt and permafrost on streams and nearshore environments.

One of the Board of Regents’ strategic priorities, the Arctic Leadership Initiative, will position Alaskans as world leaders in the Arctic, give students and early career professionals the foundation and network needed to lead in the changing Arctic, and enhance the reputation of UA’s universities as centers of Arctic expertise.