New Arctic Engagement Award Recipients Announced

July 12, 2024

New Arctic Engagement Award Recipients Announced

Four proposals from across the UA system will receive Arctic Engagement Award funding as UA launches the Arctic Leadership Initiative. One of the President’s and Board of Regents’ strategic priorities, the 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.

“These four proposals stood out among a competitive field of 37 submissions,” said Paul Layer, Vice President of Academics, Students, and Research. “We were very pleased with the responses and hope to fund additional proposals in the future.”

Proposals were ranked on their potential to expand UA’s Arctic engagement and visibility, increase the impact of UA’s Arctic activities, elevate UA’s competitive position, and generate new partnerships and funding. Awards ranged from $18,000 to $20,000.

Award recipients and their proposals are briefly described below:

Dr. Brandon Boylan, Dr. Amy Lauren Lovecraft, and Dr. Glenn Wright will combine UAF and UAS expertise to develop a multidisciplinary North American Arctic Lecture Series and an affiliated for-credit undergraduate and graduate course to showcase Arctic leadership from multiple sectors and communities. Twelve free lectures will be offered in Spring 2025. An additional 90-minute session will allow further discussion between speakers, students in the Arctic Leadership Initiative cohort, and others registered for the course.

Dr. Alec Bennett and Dr. Brandon Boylan, UAF, will direct funds towards creating a new, one-week intensive Arctic Horizons Summer Academy for Ph.D. students that addresses a broad range of Arctic security issues. UAF will host the academy, drawing expertise from security agencies, multiple communities and industry sectors, and faculty across the UA system.

Dr. Nasim Bahari, UAA, will research specific needs and issues encountered in Arctic settings and develop curriculum for a new bachelor’s degree focused on Managing Projects in the Arctic. The research and new degree program will promote UA expertise and increase success among project managers, engineers, and others working in the Arctic.

Michael DeLue, Dr. Margaret Rudolf, and Dr. Kristin Timm, from UAF’s International Arctic Research Center, will create an online course titled Navigating Actionable Science in the Arctic. The course will help scientific researchers respond effectively to the needs of people living and working in a rapidly changing Arctic. The online format allows working professionals to easily build knowledge and skills while showcasing UA expertise to a broad audience.