IGNITE 2026 Agenda

Jessica Ross is a Dena'ina tribal member of the Native Village of Eklutna. She serves as an assistant professor in the Human Services and Alaska Native Studies programs at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Professor Ross' education includes current work towards a Ph.D. in Indigenous Studies, a master’s degree in education, and a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. Professor Ross began her teaching career in 2016 at the University of Alaska, where she led head and neck anatomy, patient management, instrumentation, and clinical practicum courses in the Dental Hygiene program. Her work in human services allows her to continue developing culturally responsive and trauma-informed (CRTI) approaches to practice while also leading efforts for the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) program. Professor Ross founded the Nughejagh project (Dena'ina for "to become whole"), a participatory initiative that explores the implications of trauma and the potential healing effects of Indigenous cultural revitalization.

Kenrick Mock received his Ph.D. in computer science from the University of California Davis with a research emphasis on AI for natural language understanding. He has worked at organizations including Intel Corporation, Los Alamos National Lab, Apple Computer, and a technology startup. A faculty member at UAA since 2000, he is currently Dean of UAA's College of Engineering.

John Latini joined the University of Alaska Office of Government Relations in 2022 as the executive director of federal relations. For the past 18 years, Latini has worked in Washington D.C. and brings both higher education and congressional experience to his current role with the university. Prior to UA, he was with Penn State University including as the director of federal relations leading the university’s D.C.-based advocacy efforts to increase federal funding for scientific research and student financial aid. Latini also served as a legislative adviser to two different members of congress. Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Latini graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He earned a master’s degree in public administration and a graduate certificate in public budgeting and financial management from Penn State University, and an MBA from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).

Lori Gildehaus serves as the Director of Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity (URSA) and the program administrator for Research Advising and Mentoring Professionals, a mentor training program at UAF. Gildehaus received a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a M.S. in Wildlife Biology from UAF, where she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies exploring students’ educational experiences. Since joining UAF in 2002, she has served as the assistant program manager, program administrator, and associate director for numerous programs focused on advancing mentoring initiatives and strengthening student engagement in research. She has developed mentor training materials and facilitated dozens of mentor workshops for research staff, faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, across UA campuses and other institutions. She enjoys running, fat biking, cooking, and dreaming about being a Great British Bake-Off contestant.

Marsha Olson has been a faculty member at UAA, teaching both communication and university studies classes, since 2010. Marsha earned her bachelor’s degree in communication and master’s degree in professional communication from UAF. She regularly teaches courses focused on developing student confidence in all aspects of communication, from interpersonal relationships to presentations. Additionally, Marsha has collaborated with UAA staff to create leadership development resources for fellow employees. She works in a consulting capacity as well, supporting local organizations with public speaking workshops and communication training opportunities. A lifelong Alaskan, Marsha grew up on her family farm in Wasilla, moved to Fairbanks for college (and to play basketball for the Nanooks), and now resides in West Anchorage. She spends much of her free time running with her husky mix, attending concerts, and attempting to garden, with varying degrees of success.