Faculty Pilot Projects
Principal Investigator
Title: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and the development of a predictive model of the
health and energetic status of estuarine fishes
Abstract: Ecosystem health is reflected in the health of its organisms, including their nutritional
suitability for consumption by humans. This project builds on the development of a
new tool, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, to assess chemical composition and energetic
quality of ocean fish near human establishments in southeast Alaska. These data will
quantify current fish quality from these habitats, and provide a baseline in case
of future habitat perturbations.
Dates of Award: July 2018 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau Campus
Email: cabergstrom@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Tundra to Table: instruments and education pilot testing
Abstract:
Dates of Award: July 2018 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: abersamin@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Nutritional quality of Macrocystis pyrifera at the northern end of its range
Abstract: The goal of this project is to describe the seasonal nutritional biochemistry of giant
kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, in Sitka Sound, Alaska. Giant kelp is an important subsistence
food in Southeast Alaska. The objective of the proposed research is to test the hypothesis
that the nutritional quality of Macrocystis in southeast Alaska is significantly lower
than the nutritional quality of this macroalgae at lower latitudes. Through this project,
rural students will be capable of conducting marine field research, be competent in
skiff operations and repair, and practical problem solving as well as scientific method.
Dates of Award: July 2017 to June 2019
Institution: Sitka Sound Science Center
Email: abowers@sitkascience.org
Principal Investigator
Title: Influence of SkiKu on Resilience in Alaska Native Youth
Abstract: Unpredictable resources in Alaska have been further complicated by climate change,
and the adoption of sedentary habits that represents a growing concern among Alaska
Natives (AN). On the other hand, physical activity may even further enhance community
support, family cohesion, and the overall quality of life. Through our partnership
with the NANA Regional Corporation, we learned that the SkiKu program was effective
in improving physical activity in AN youth. In partnership with these AN communities,
we now hypothesize that improvements in physical activity will translate to increased
resilience and improvements in overall health and well-being.
Dates of Award: Aug 2017 to June 2018
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: rcoker@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Mobilizing Alaska Genomics with Nanopore Sequencing
Abstract: The overall goal is to engage undergraduate researchers in measuring and testing the
effects of the Alaska soil microbiome on ecosystem health. We will address how microbial
communities alter ecosystem health, and how these effects interact with effects of
global change. I will utilize recently developed transformative technology that enables
remote collection of DNA sequence data. The data we collect will help to design future
experiments on the evolution of soil pathogens. These plant-microbe interactions may
influence how the plant community responds to changing climatic conditions and ultimately
effect Alaskans who rely on the forest for food.
Dates of Award: July 2017 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: dmdrown@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Measuring Emotions in Children's Environmental Identity Development
Abstract: Recognizing the prominent role that emotions play in the development of ones’ environmental
identity development, this study will pilot an innovative methodology for measuring
the affective attributes of Alaskan children’s relationship with the natural world. Specifically, the project
will explore the use of mobile EEG, wearable cameras, and children's drawings as data
collection methods for researching outdoor experiences with young children.
Dates of Award: July 2017 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: cjgreen2@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Surveillance for and characterization of Leptospirosis in Alaskan caribou and reindeer
Abstract: This project contributes to the knowledge of leptospirosis in caribou and reindeer.
There are sporadic reports of leptospiral titers in caribou, but very little is known
of this disease in them. For this project, we have developed the following hypotheses:
1. Active leptospiral infections are present in Alaskan Rangifer. 2. A unique serovar
is circulating in Alaskan Rangifer. To test these hypotheses, we will collaborate
with the UAF's reindeer research program and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
to obtain blood, urine, and tissue samples for analyses. This will be the first targeted
surveillance for leptospirosis in Alaskan Rangifer.
Dates of Award: July 2017 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: cmhansen@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Abstract: Despite the success of antiretroviral therapies, the prevalence of HIV-associated
neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remains high and affects over 45% of HIV infected
individuals. Our research focuses on the formation of rod-like actin/cofilin inclusions,
which impair dendritic spine morphology and synaptic plasticity all required for memory
and learning. This novel neurodegenerative event is induced by the HIV coat protein
gp120 as well as amyloid β, and inflammatory cytokines via a common signaling pathway
involving NADPH oxidase, the cellular prion protein (PrPC) and an enhanced coalescence
of lipid raft. Our studies target the role of the co-receptor CCR5 and CXCR4.
Dates of Award: July 2017 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: tbkuhn@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Phytoremediation of diesel-contaminated soil in rural Alaska
Abstract:
Dates of Award: July 2018 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: mbleigh@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Abstract: We will use a 'genotyping by sequencing' approach to measure the amount and patterns
of genomic diversity in populations of Arctic lamprey harvested in their spawning
migrations along the Yukon River. By comparing the genetic measurements obtained in
this study with existing reference genomes, we will test for functionally significant
differences between populations spawning and rearing along the river. In addition,
the information collected in this study will show if the lamprey harvested in Alaska
belong to a large, broadly distributed common stock or a series of distinct stocks
sharing a migration corridor.
Dates of Award: July 2017 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: jalopez2@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Virtual Reality Fitness: A Rural Alaskan Health Examination
Abstract: This project is Biomedicine related via investigating the intersection between virtual
reality (VR) technology and the capabilities of increasing physical and mental health
of remote Alaskan communities. This proposal outlines the benefits of researching
if VR technology/equipment access (no charge to participants) increases the likelihood/willingness
of these community members to increase their physical activity during the winter months.
These unique rural Alaskan extreme environmental factors have a human health core
and fit within the One Health umbrella.
Dates of Award: July 2017 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: jmlupinek@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Characterizing transition metals in ambient PM2.5: a link between air pollution and
human health
Abstract:
Dates of Award: July 2018 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: jmao2@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Assessment of diets and Hg exposure in Alaskans
Abstract: This project will be facilitated through collaboration with a statewide Alaska Native
network of organizations (e.g. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Ilisagvik
College).We have performed diet assessment and Hg exposure previously for humans (Mexico)
and wildlife and are excited to do this for Sitka (with University of Alaska Southeast),
and Barrow (with Ilisagvik College). In the laboratory undergraduate students will
analyze samples for the proposed elements and lead laboratory discussions on statistical
analyses and interpretation under mentorship of graduate students and professional
research staff.
Dates of Award: July 2017 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: tmohara@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Unalakleet River salmon: Investigating linkages between nutrient and life cycles
Abstract: The overarching goal of this project is to provide training and mentorship to undergraduate
students, including an Alaska Native undergraduate student from Unalakleet, AK, to
support scientific research on Pacific salmon from the Unalakleet River. Pacific salmon
is a subsistence resource that is vital to the nutritional health, economy, and cultures
of communities in rural Alaska.
Dates of Award: Aug 2017 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: leoxtoby@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Innovations in Biologger Technology to Assess Ocean Health
Abstract:
Dates of Award: July 2018 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau Campus
Email: hcpearson@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Stories and images of community strength from a youth Dog Mushing Program in Rural
Alaska
Abstract: This research proposes to engage community members in a rural community in interior
Alaska to explore the effect of the Frank Attla Youth & Sled Dog Care-Mushing Program
(FAYSDP) on social capital (the potential resources a group or individual may draw
from its social relationships). The FAYSDP was started in early fall of 2012 in Huslia,
a rural, mostly Athabascan community of about 300 people. The program has involved
high and middle school students who learn dog handling and mushing skills from kennel
owners, Elders, and other volunteers from the community.
Dates of Award: Aug 2017 to June 2019
Institution:University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: jphilip@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Rural Undergraduate Research and Learning using Salmon Adaptation Genomics and Experiments
Abstract:
Dates of Award: July 2018 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau Campus
Email: datallmon@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Rabies glycoprotein interacts with neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in a
subtype-selective manner
Abstract:
Dates of Award: July 2018 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: mmweltzin@alaska.edu
Principal Investigator
Title: Porous Metal-Organic-Framework Carrier as a Potential Platform for Drug Delivery
Abstract: The goal of this project is to develop a novel type of metal-organic framework drug
delivery system that is non-toxic, biocompatible and expected to exhibit higher drug
storage capacity and longer drug release time compared to existing drug carriers.
Dates of Award: July 2018 to June 2019
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: lzhang14@alaska.edu