2026 Innovators Hall of Fame

Tom Marsik

is a leading innovator and sustainable energy expert who holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Tom obtained full professorship at his alma mater, UAF, in 2023. He develops and teaches a wide range of sustainable energy courses at the Bristol Bay Campus while simultaneously contributing to research collaborations with organizations such as Panasonic and Natural Resources Canada. Tom is one of UAF's top inventors, with six total patents and multiple award-winning technologies, including the Arctic Dual Hood for Heat Recovery Ventilation. He actively works with students, communities, and partners to advance energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, and cold-climate technology. As chief scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Alaska Campus, he continues to drive innovation across Alaska and exemplify UAF's vision for entrepreneurship and sustainable energy leadership. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clay Koplin

One of Alaska's most sought after energy innovators. In addition to his work at CEO at CEC, he serves as Chair of the Alaska Energy Authority. He has spent nearly three decades advancing microgrid innovation in Cordova, where he has helped the community achieve 85% hydroelectric power and an exceptional grid reliability of 99.995%. Clay represents Cordova and Alaska on global stages such as the Arctic Circle Assembly, sharing insights on resilience, cooperation, and innovation. He continues expanding his expertise through UAF's Interdisciplinary Studies PhD program, where he researches how data-intensive infrastructure interacts with remote electrical grids. Clay remains a visionary leader who brings transformational energy solutions to his community, the state of Alaska, and the broader Arctic region.

Doug Goering

Continues to shape engineering education and innovation through his leadership, scholarship, and mentorship. As a longtime dean of the College of Engineering and Mines, he guided thousands of students and championed the creation of the Joseph E. Usibelli Engineering Learning and Innovation Building, which thrives today as a hub for hands-on learning. His research in cold-regions engineering remains highly influential, with his work still widely cited across the field. Doug remains an active innovator, contributing award-winning ideas such as structured insulation for preventing permafrost thaw and collaborating on new infrastructure technologies. His ongoing legacy is visible in the students he has mentored, the facilities he helped bring to life, and the practical engineering solutions he continues to advance for Alaska.