Research Professor Laura Conner was appointed to serve as UAF's interim vice chancellor for research on Jan. 12, 2025 and was appointed as UAF's vice chancellor for research on April 2, 2025. Prior to her current position as interim vice chancellor for research, she most recently served as associate director of the Geophysical Institute and research professor. She has a doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Arizona. Her work since earning her doctorate in 2007 has focused on education research, including science identity and interdisciplinary learning at the boundary of art and science. Her work has attracted funding from a variety of agencies, including the National Science Foundation and NASA. She has held several leadership roles at UAF, including faculty fellow for dual enrollment and the University of the Arctic Assembly representative for UAF.