Staff

Adventure Room

Faculty

Quadrant Room

Student

Voyager Room

Event Welcome
Mid Deck

Plenary Session: 

Bridging the Ice Gaps: Navigating Professional Development
Through Networking Across Alaska’s Research Landscape
 Gretchen Fauske & Margo Fliss
Mid Deck  

Things We Wish our Researchers
Knew about RA

Staff

Adventure Room

Faculty

Quadrant Room

Student

Voyager Room

Day 1 - Monday, January 8th - Keynote (11:15 am)

Bridging the Ice Gaps: Navigating Professional Development Through Networking 
Across Alaska’s Research Landscape

Margo Fliss & Gretchen Fauske, Speakers

Margo Fliss - Associate Director, University of Alaska Center for Economic Development
Margo leads strategic engagement for UA CED and is part of growing Alaska‘s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a focus on helping early-stage entrepreneurs learn new tools to pursue their ideas. She currently runs CED’s Upstart Intern program and co-leads the Upstart Alpha student accelerator at UAA. Her talents lie in creating a collaborative and welcoming space for exploration and problem-solving. With a background in education, Margo believes facilitation and guided learning are a blend of art and science, and that the most important outcome of her process is an actionable, achievable framework. She holds a Master of Public Policy from Mills College and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Margo is a certified Strategic Doing Workshop Leader and earned her “Foundations in Design Thinking“ certification from IDEO in 2018. She currently serves as the Secretary for thread, on the board of the University Economic Development Association, and the UAA Center for Community and Engaged Learning Advisory Council.

Gretchen Fauske - Director of Special Programs and Strategy, Alaska Small Business Development Center
A marketing minded economic developer fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business, Gretchen oversees SBDC's TREND, Buy Alaska, SSBCI Technical Assistance, and Mentorship programs, with more on the horizon! Prior to joining Alaska SBDC, she held positions at the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, State of Alaska Division of Economic Development, with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, and in the private sector. Gretchen has worked on a number of award-winning economic development projects, spoken at TEDx Anchorage, and was named to Alaska’s Top Forty Under 40 in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Whitman College and is currently enrolled in the University of Alaska Fairbanks Arctic and Northern Studies masters program. Additionally, Gretchen is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, and earned her “Advanced Design Thinking,” “Human Centered Strategy,” and “Business Innovation” certifications from IDEO U. She is a member of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership board, and previously chaired the Launch Alaska board and the Municipality of Anchorage Library Advisory Board.

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 9th - Keynote (10:00 am)

Strengthening Our Path Forward
Wáahlaal Gidaag & Ayyu Qassataq, Speakers,
First Alaskans Institute

We invite you to join First Alaskans Institute in learning how to strengthen the relationships necessary to ethically and meaningfully engage with Native communities in co-production of knowledge. This discussion is designed to consider pathways for the research community to fully engage in a collaborative process with Alaska’s Native peoples and communities to develop a mutually respectful process.

 ‘Wáahlaal Gidaag Barbara Blake (Alaska Native Policy Center Director)
Xaadas/Lingit/Ahtna
‘Wáahlaal Gidaag is from Prince of Wales Island and lives in Juneau where she is based out of for this position. She belongs to the Káat nay-st/Yahkw Jáanaas (Shark House/Middle Town People) Clan. She is the daughter of Sandra Demmert (Yahkw Jáanaas) and Kenneth Johnson (Naltsiine) who is Ahtna Athabascan, and the granddaughter of Frances Demmert Peele (Yahkw Jáanaas), Franklin Demmert, Sr. (Teeyeeneidi), Irene Johnson (Naltsiine) and Walter Johnson (Norwegian).
She earned her master’s degree from University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) in Rural Development, focused on Fisheries Development in Rural Alaska. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Rural Economic Development, as well as an associate degree in Tribal Management from UAF and has a certificate in Tribal Governmental Business Law from Seattle University. ‘Wáahlaal Gidaag joined FAI in May 2019, her passion for her people and culture along with her deep understanding of intergovernmental relationships guides FAI’s ANPC team to identify and foster community-driven solutions.

Ayyu grew up between Dgheyey Kaq’ (Anchorage) and Uŋalaqłiq (Unalakleet) and is a tribal citizen of the Native Village of Unalakleet, the southernmost Iñupiaq and northernmost Yup’ik community. She credits her upbringing with her grandparents Stanton & Irene Katchatag, parents Doug & Vernita Herdman, family and community for the foundation of Iñupiaq and Native values that strengthen her work every single day. She is a proud mother of four, and attributes much of her passion and inspiration for working toward the perpetual strength and wellbeing of Alaska Native communities to them.

Ayyu has been with First Alaskans Institute since 2010, currently serving as Chief Administrative Officer. Over the course of her tenure with FAI, she has helped to grow a team and body of work that advances racial equity and social justice throughout Alaska, amplifying and contributing to the collective strength of our Native community through culturally-centered advocacy in all sectors. Over time, Ayyu has grown expertise in building strategies and hosting meaningful convenings that uplift community-based solutions to advance healing, awareness, and advocacy around the issues that impact our communities.

Ayyu earned her MA in Rural Development from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a BA in Organizational Management with Nonprofit Emphasis from Alaska Pacific University; her MA thesis, “When Uŋalaqłiq Danced: Stories of Strength, Suppression & Hope” uplifted Iñupiat perspectives on colonization, missionization and the formation of the education system in Alaska, with a focus on reclamation and revitalization of ancestral ceremonies and practices. Her personal advocacy includes serving as a board member for multiple statewide and regional organizations, including Alaska Public Media, Philanthropy Northwest, University of Alaska Fairbanks and Anchorage, and Caleb Pungowiyi Scholars Steering Committee (under Kawerak).

Day 1 - Monday, January 8th - Staff Session 1 (12:30 pm)

Things We Wish Our Researchers Knew about RA
Sarah Garcia & Shannon Watson, Facilitators

Session Description: This session will focus on research administrators’ frequently asked questions.

Sarah Garcia (AK INBRE)
Sarah Garcia has served as a research administrator since 2006 with all of her experience at UAF. She started in an entry level fiscal technician position and throughout the years, she has gained experience and knowledge as she managed various types of research awards from different types of agencies (federal, state, private, and foreign). Today, Sarah serves as the Alaska INBRE fiscal officer. She co-leads, alongside Shannon Watson, a cohort of her peers.  

Shannon Watson (Alaska NSF EPSCoR)
Shannon Watson is a research administrator with over 20 years of experience in financial management, budgeting, and compliance. Her career began as a Fiscal Technician at UAF, back in 2002, where she learned the basics of purchasing and travel, using federal funds. Throughout the years she has managed multiple grants and cooperative agreements, as well as worked with various federal, state, foreign, and private funding agencies. Currently Shannon is the Fiscal Manager for Alaska NSF EPSCoR. She co-leads, alongside Sarah Garcia, a cohort of her peers.  

Day 1- Monday, January 8th - Staff Session 2 (1:30 pm)

Put Your Oxygen Mask on First: The ABCs of Well-Being

Julie Benson, Facilitator

Session Description: This session will focus on individual well-being and answer the following questions: What is well-being? What steps can each person take to create wellness every day? Attendees will learn the ABCs of well-being and leave with a plan to move forward with their individual wellness.

Julie Benson (AK INBRE)
Julie is passionate about well-being and carving out work/life balance. She currently works as the Associate Director of the Alaska INBRE program and loves to create collaborative spaces, facilitate transparent conversations, and work with teams.

Day 1 - Monday, January 8th - Staff Session 3 (3:00 pm) 

Identifying and Meeting Our Organization’s Training Needs, A Guided Discussion

Sarah Garcia & Shannon Watson, Facilitators

Session Description: A guided discussion on how we are identifying and meeting our organization’s training needs. This discussion aims to share and learn our processes and tools for identifying and meeting the needs of our new employee, new-to-a-position employee, and existing employees. The discussion would also include our approaches to meeting the training needs and storing them for future use, if possible.

Sarah Garcia (AK INBRE)
Sarah Garcia has served as a research administrator since 2006 with all of her experience at UAF. She started in an entry level fiscal technician position and throughout the years, she has gained experience and knowledge as she managed various types of research awards from different types of agencies (federal, state, private, and foreign). Today, Sarah serves as the Alaska INBRE fiscal officer. She co-leads, alongside Shannon Watson, a cohort of her peers.  

Shannon Watson (Alaska NSF EPSCoR)
Shannon Watson is a research administrator with over 20 years of experience in financial management, budgeting, and compliance. Her career began as a Fiscal Technician at UAF, back in 2002, where she learned the basics of purchasing and travel, using federal funds. Throughout the years she has managed multiple grants and cooperative agreements, as well as worked with various federal, state, foreign, and private funding agencies. Currently Shannon is the Fiscal Manager for Alaska NSF EPSCoR. She co-leads, alongside Sarah Garcia, a cohort of her peers.  

Day 1 - Monday, January 8th - Staff Session 4 (4:00 pm) 

Effective Presentations

Shannon Farr, Facilitator

Session Description: Effective Presentations is presented by Shannon Farr, and will cover the basics of presentations, including how to craft visual aids and presentations for diverse audiences. The discussion will center on how to create presentations that can be given to audiences at varying knowledge levels. Following the brief presentation, participants will have a chance to ask questions and participate in practice activities.

Shannon Farr (UAA)
Shannon Farr is currently serving as the Communications Specialist for the UAA College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to her tenure at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Shannon taught a variety of public, technical, and presentational speaking courses at Purdue University.

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 9th - Staff Session 5 (8:40 am)

Roles and Responsibilities: Creating, Documenting, and Implementing, 
A Guided Discussion
Sarah Garcia & Shannon Watson, Facilitators

Session Description: A guided discussion on creating, documenting, and implementing a roles and responsibilities (R&Rs) document. This discussion aims to consider the value in having clearly defined R&Rs for researchers, research administrators (RAs), and other key players, as well as the tasks surrounding proposal submissions and award management. The discussion would also include drafting, reviewing, and distributing the R&Rs, challenges with implementation, and a feedback/ re-evaluation process.

Sarah Garcia (AK INBRE)
Sarah Garcia has served as a research administrator since 2006 with all of her experience at UAF. She started in an entry level fiscal technician position and throughout the years, she has gained experience and knowledge as she managed various types of research awards from different types of agencies (federal, state, private, and foreign). Today, Sarah serves as the Alaska INBRE fiscal officer. She co-leads, alongside Shannon Watson, a cohort of her peers.  

Shannon Watson (Alaska NSF EPSCoR)
Shannon Watson is a research administrator with over 20 years of experience in financial management, budgeting, and compliance. Her career began as a Fiscal Technician at UAF, back in 2002, where she learned the basics of purchasing and travel, using federal funds. Throughout the years she has managed multiple grants and cooperative agreements, as well as worked with various federal, state, foreign, and private funding agencies. Currently Shannon is the Fiscal Manager for Alaska NSF EPSCoR. She co-leads, alongside Sarah Garcia, a cohort of her peers.  

Day 1 - Monday, January 8th - Faculty Session 1 (12:30 pm)

Science Communication Panel 
Bahareh Sorouri, Facilitator

Session Description: Science communication panel where panelists briefly share their broad SciComm work and expertise, followed by a Q&A session with the audience. This panel aims to inform audience members of potential science communication opportunities, present different SciComm perspectives and journeys, as well as encourage future collaborations. Panelists listed below. 

Joy Chavez Mapaye (UAA)
Dr. Joy Chavez Mapaye is a professor in the Department of Journalism and Public Communications at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Her education background includes communication, rhetoric, broadcast journalism, public relations, marketing communications and branding. Her research agenda involves media, public health, health disparities, health communication and health misinformation. The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Alaska chapter recognized her work in integrated communications for leadership in public relations in 2015. Mapaye was also honored with the American Marketing Association Alaska chapter Prism Merit Award for Advocacy Campaign of the Year in 2016 for the strategic communications campaign that led to a smoke and tobacco-free University of Alaska. In 2022, Mapaye, along with members of the Alaska Public Health Information Response Team, received the Alaska Community Service Award for Health from the Alaska Public Health Association. The award recognizes an organization, business or group making a significant contribution to improving the health of Alaskans.

Cornelia (Connie) Jessen (ANTHC)
Connie has worked in the Alaska Tribal Health System to address health disparities among Alaska Native and American Indian people for the past 15+ years. She has been involved in several community-based participatory research and programmatic projects ranging from sexual and reproductive health, adolescent health, HIV stigma and discrimination to harm reduction, substance misuse and intergenerational trauma. Her research focuses on understanding the intersections between culture and health, the role of resilience and protective factors and translating cultural knowledge and practice into interventions that promote health and wellness. She also oversees cross-cultural research education and training efforts to decolonize health research and promote culturally responsive and respectful research. In her free time, Connie enjoys spending time with her family and friends outdoors exploring Alaska.

Bahareh Sorouri (UAF)
Dr. Bahareh Sorouri is an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Institute of Arctic Biology at UAF. She is based in Southern California where she earned her PhD from the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at University of California, Irvine (UCI). For three years, Dr. Sorouri served as a writer and managing editor for The Loh Down on Science (LDOS), a humorous, daily science minute broadcast on NPR. She was also a reporter for LDOS: Special Pandemic Edition, a limited-edition podcast on the science and history behind pandemics. Furthermore, Dr. Sorouri was the co-president of ReachOut TeachOut at UCI, a graduate student-led club that aims to demystify STEM and STEM careers for traditionally underrepresented high school students. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, playing basketball, and spending time with family.

Day 1- Monday, January 8th - Faculty Session 2 (1:30 pm)

Promotion and Tenure Panel
Brenda Konar, Facilitator

Session Description: This session will go over the P&T process and some of the elements everyone should think about before they start putting together their P&T file. Panelists will share their thoughts about what they wish they would have known about while prepping, what they wish they would have started working on sooner, and what they would have done differently. The session will conclude with a Question and Answer portion. Facilitator and Panelists listed below. 

Brenda Konar (UAF)
Brenda Konar is a Professor of Marine Biology in the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UAF. She is the Director of Alaska EPSCoR and prior to that was the Associate Dean of Research for CFOS. Dr. Konar started at UAF as research faculty in 1999, switched to tenure-track in 2000, received tenure in 2004, and was promoted to full professor in 2009.

Micah Hahn (UAA)
Micah Hahn is an Associate Professor of Environmental Health in the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies at UAA. She is an environmental epidemiologist, and her research focuses on the health impacts of climate change and working with communities to develop locally and culturally relevant adaptation strategies. Dr. Hahn was hired as an Assistant Professor in 2017 and received promotion to Associate Professor and tenure in 2022. She enjoys trail running, mountain biking, skiing, and getting her family outside as much as possible.

Jason Fellman (UAS)
Jason Fellman is a Research Associate Professor of Environmental Science in the Department of Natural Sciences and the Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center at the University of Alaska Southeast. He has been the acting director of the Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center since 2021. He enjoys climbing, skiing, running as well as camping and traveling with his wife and two high school children. 

Seth Danielson (UAF)
Seth Danielson is an Associate Professor of Oceanography in the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. His research focuses on revealing the manner in which ocean physics exert environmental controls on Alaska's marine ecosystems. Danielson was hired as Research Assistant Professor in 2013, promoted to Research Associate Professor in 2016, transitioned to a tenure-track faculty role in 2018, was awarded tenure in 2021, and presently is in review for promotion to Professor rank. 

Day 1 - Monday, January 8th - Faculty Session 3 & 4 (3:00 pm) 

Training Mentors
Tracey Burke, Facilitator

Session Description: This session is an abbreviated version of the training offered to UAA undergraduate research mentors for the last 8 years. Using the curriculum developed by the National Research Mentoring Network, the full training has been evaluated as part of NIH's BUILD initiative. Case studies are used to ground discussion of themes and principles. Participants are invited to bring forth their own case studies/personal experiences to make the discussion more locally relevant.

Tracey Burke (UAA)
Dr. Tracey Burke has been on the Social Work faculty at UAA since 2003. She has mentored undergraduate researchers in her own work and recently has focused on infrastructure for increasing opportunities and equity within undergraduate research. She is a co-PI of UAA's new Biomed U-RISE program, the site PI for UAA's BUILD EXITO sub-award, and a faculty mentor for the Research & Creative Activity track within the redesigned Honors College. When not on campus, she can probably be found in front of the fire with a pot of tea and a novel.

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 9th - Faculty Session 5 (8:40 am)

Grant Writing

Kelvin Chu, Ph.D, Facilitator

Session Description: This session will focus on grant writing for early career researchers. 

Kelvin Chu (TIG President and Chief Operating Officer)
Kelvin joined TIG in 2015 after serving as an NSF program officer in the Office of Integrative Activities for three years. Kelvin has significant experience with research development, program building, and administration of research capacity-building programs, in both academia and at the federal level. As a former faculty member, research administrator, and program officer, Kelvin has first-hand knowledge of and experience in growing and supporting a research enterprise as well as practical knowledge of campus-based efforts to encourage faculty scholarship and extramural research funding. Prior to coming to TIG, Kelvin served as a Program Officer at NSF in the EPSCoR section within the Office Integrative Activities. At NSF, he managed projects worth $137 million in the physical, life, mathematical, and social sciences. Prior to this, Kelvin served as Senior Associate Director of Vermont EPSCoR, a state-wide research initiative, building research capacity and education infrastructure. As a faculty member, he received over $44 million to run large NSF- and NIH-funded centers. He was Senior Associate Project Director for the Vermont Genetics Network, a large-scale, multi-university NIH IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) award. Kelvin holds a Sc.B. in Physics from Brown University and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was a Director's Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Lab.

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 9th - Faculty Session 6 (1:15 pm)

Effective Presentations 

Shannon Farr, Facilitator

Session Description: Effective Presentations is presented by Shannon Farr, and will cover the basics of presentations, including how to craft visual aids and presentations for diverse audiences. The discussion will center on how to create presentations that can be given to audiences at varying knowledge levels. Following the brief presentation, participants will have a chance to ask questions and participate in practice activities.

Shannon Farr (UAA)
Shannon Farr is currently serving as the Communications Specialist for the UAA College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to her tenure at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Shannon taught a variety of public, technical, and presentational speaking courses at Purdue University.

Day 1 - Monday, January 8th - Student Session 1 (12:30 pm)

Pathways Through Grad School & Beyond 
Panelists: Holly Martinson (moderator), Tracey Burke, & Mary Jo Finney

Session Description:  Moderated discussion with each panelist providing a 8-10 minute verbal presentation about their career path followed by moderated discussion and/or audience Q&A. Topics include post doc opportunities and academic job search.

Dr. Holly Martinson

Tracey Burke (UAA)
Dr. Tracey Burke has been on the Social Work faculty at UAA since 2003. She has mentored undergraduate researchers in her own work and recently has focused on infrastructure for increasing opportunities and equity within undergraduate research. She is a co-PI of UAA's new Biomed U-RISE program, the site PI for UAA's BUILD EXITO sub-award, and a faculty mentor for the Research & Creative Activity track within the redesigned Honors College. When not on campus, she can probably be found in front of the fire with a pot of tea and a novel.

Dr. Mary Jo Finney (UAA)
The Graduate School Dean, in their role as the Chief Academic Officer for Graduate education at UAA, has the responsibility for leadership and oversight of all graduate programs and issues. The Dean has administrative management of graduate programs, policies, program review, and program standards and supervises all elements of the Graduate School. The Graduate School staff, Graduate Academic Board (GAB), Graduate Advisory Council carry out the functions of the Graduate School based on her authority.

Day 1 - Monday, January 8th - Student Session 2 (1:30 pm)

Getting Published 
Jordan Jenkes, Presenter 

Session Description: This session will offer guidance to students on publishing in scientific journals, emphasizing the importance of a well-structured research methodology and preparation. In the session students will learn the importance of selecting the appropriate journal, adhering to submission guidelines, preparing a manuscript, and how to navigate the review process. Throughout the session Jordan will describe first hand experiences and provide advice for navigating the publishing processes.  

Jordan Jenckes (UAA) 
Jordan Jenckes is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at UAA in the Department of Chemistry. He received his B.S. in Geological Sciences from UAA in 2015 and in 2023 he received his Ph.D. in Geology through the Geosciences Department at UAF. Jordan’s research is focused in integrated large datasets of geochemistry, hydrology, climate, and landscape characteristics to describe geochemical cycles of Earth’s surface. His Ph.D. work, funded by the EPSCoR Fire and Ice project, focused on aqueous geochemistry of freshwater entering the Gulf of Alaska, specifically understanding how watershed characteristics control the chemical and physical properties of surface water. Additionally, he has worked in South America utilizing geochemistry, hydrology, and remote sensing to investigate lithium brine resources. His current research is focused on using trace element geochemistry to understand the carbon cycle along with exploring the geochemical weathering cycles of rare earth elements. He has published in AGU journals as a first author and has experience as a co-author on numerous manuscripts.

Day 1 - Monday, January 8th - Student Session 3 (3:00 pm)

Effective Presentations 
Shannon Farr, Facilitator

Session Description: Effective Presentations is presented by Shannon Farr, and will cover the basics of presentations, including how to craft visual aids and presentations for diverse audiences. The discussion will center on how to create presentations that can be given to audiences at varying knowledge levels. Following the brief presentation, participants will have a chance to ask questions and participate in practice activities. 

Shannon Farr (UAA)
Shannon Farr is currently serving as the Communications Specialist for the UAA College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to her tenure at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Shannon taught a variety of public, technical, and presentational speaking courses at Purdue University.

Day 1 - Monday, January 8th - Student Session 4 (4:00 pm)

Grant Writing
Kelvin Chu, Ph.D., Facilitator

Session Description: This session will focus on grant writing for early career researchers. 

Kelvin Chu (TIG President and Chief Operating Officer)
Kelvin joined TIG in 2015 after serving as an NSF program officer in the Office of Integrative Activities for three years. Kelvin has significant experience with research development, program building, and administration of research capacity-building programs, in both academia and at the federal level. As a former faculty member, research administrator, and program officer, Kelvin has first-hand knowledge of and experience in growing and supporting a research enterprise as well as practical knowledge of campus-based efforts to encourage faculty scholarship and extramural research funding. Prior to coming to TIG, Kelvin served as a Program Officer at NSF in the EPSCoR section within the Office Integrative Activities. At NSF, he managed projects worth $137 million in the physical, life, mathematical, and social sciences. Prior to this, Kelvin served as Senior Associate Director of Vermont EPSCoR, a state-wide research initiative, building research capacity and education infrastructure. As a faculty member, he received over $44 million to run large NSF- and NIH-funded centers. He was Senior Associate Project Director for the Vermont Genetics Network, a large-scale, multi-university NIH IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) award. Kelvin holds a Sc.B. in Physics from Brown University and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was a Director's Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Lab.

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 9th - Student Session 5 (8:40 am)

Career Exploration Panel
Julie Benson, Facilitator

Session Description: Dive into an exploration of various careers with the three panelists listed below, Brenda Simons, Abbie Willetto, and Taylor Borgfeldt. 

Abbie Willetto, ANTHC, Health Research and Specimen Coordinator
Abbie Willetto, is a member of the Navajo Nation and is employed by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Her professional career has focused on science, education and research with Indigenous populations.  In Alaska she has worked as a researcher for Chugach Regional Resource Commission and Southcentral Foundation. She worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage in a cohort graduate program. She has extensive experience working with community groups and fostering collaborative relations across organizations. Her early career included; teaching middle school and high school science, staff development, and educational leadership, and technical assistance in STEM initiatives. She has a background in research, science, bilingual/multicultural education and works to share knowledge and opportunities with diverse groups and organizations. Currently she leads the ANTHC Research Abstract, Manuscript & Proposal Review Committee and works closely with the ANTHC Health Research Review Committee. She also manages the ANTHC Pathology Specimen Archive and supervised the Research Services Internship Program. She has served on numerous international, national, statewide committees that focus on the areas of science, mathematics, and multiculturalism.

Taylor Borgfeldt, State of Alaska DEC
Taylor Borgfeldt, an Environmental Program Manager at the Department of Environmental Conservation, leads the Data Management team within the Air Monitoring and Quality Assurance Program. Her multifaceted role encompasses data management and analysis, technical oversight of instrument communications, and vital community engagement, coupled with a talent for science communication.

Taylor's academic foundation was laid with a Master's in Geoscience from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Bachelors in Geoscience from UT Dallas. Her career trajectory includes roles as a legislative aide, environmental consultant, pollution prevention specialist, and data analyst, culminating in her current leadership position. This journey from Texas and Minnesota to Alaska epitomizes the diverse, dynamic opportunities available in the environmental sector.
A staunch advocate for mentoring up-and-coming environmentalists, Taylor is committed to sharing her journey, including the challenges she's overcome and the opportunities she's seized. Her relocation to Alaska significantly propelled her career and intensified her dedication to environmental stewardship, an ethos she eagerly shares with aspiring professionals.

Outside her professional life, Taylor is an avid outdoor enthusiast and a keen participant in various sports. She warmly encourages students to reach out for career guidance, engaging discussions about environmental issues, or to simply share the joy of outdoor activities.

Brenna Simons, Arctic Investigations Program, 
Division of Infectious Disease Readiness & Innovation
Raised in Anchorage in her early years, Dr. Brenna Simons is a molecular immunologist who currently serves as Deputy Director at the Arctic Investigations Program (AIP). AIP works in partnership to prevent infectious disease in people of the Arctic and sub-Arctic, placing special emphasis on disease of high incidence and concern among indigenous peoples. The AIP laboratory is a multidisciplinary team that conducts clinical, surveillance, response and research testing involving advanced molecular, bacteriology, and general immunology specialties. AIP also directly conducts operation of the Alaska Area Specimen Bank; a tribal-federal biorepository that contains both a historic collection as well as a currently running biorepository, most specimens are collected from Alaska Native persons. Brenna has been a member of Alaska Area Specimen Bank governance since 2010 and currently serves as the specimen bank director working in partnership with Alaska Native stakeholders. Brenna joined the CDC in 2018 as a microbiologist lead. Previously, Brenna served as a clinical and public health program director, while also acting in a clinical research investigator role at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. During those 9 years, she successfully conducted post- marketing observational studies and investigative new drug applications amongst local AN/AI patient populations, implemented a program that delivered access in remote communities to confidential at-home STI testing services across Alaska, created a locally relevant website for both patient and primary provider access to healthcare information, and completed clinical research studies resulting in publication. 

Brenna has continued to support local intern and student learning opportunities and is dedicated to serving underrepresented populations. She has served in volunteer roles with the Girl Scouts of Alaska, and both the American Society for Circumpolar Health (President) and the International Union for Circumpolar Health (Secretary, President). She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from the University of Rochester, and a PhD in microbiology and immunology from Vanderbilt University. In her spare time, she is a dedicated sub-Arctic gardener, a mother of 2 young kids, and loves spending time at her family’s cabin.

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 9th - Student Session 6 (1:15 pm)

What is Grad School? 
Holly Martinson & Tracey Burke, Facilitators 

Session Description: A discussion between the attending graduate students and undergraduates. Discussion topics include: what I wish I would have known and other discussions that come up through Q&A.