"Being able to attend this year’s Arctic Summit Science Week as a part of the ICARP IV Summit process has given me boundless opportunities to further my research in the Arctic. I recently graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Master in Public Policy (MPP). I came into this degree with a biology and anthropology background, but being able to conduct research on social-ecological systems as they relate to policy has been a rewarding experience. After graduating in December, I was employed full time on the grant project I worked on as a student, so I have been able to continue doing research that interests me, namely social-ecological systems in the Bering Strait region, specifically focused on maritime activity.
At ASSW, I was able to present the research driving the completion of my master’s degree, as well as give me ideas for further research. Additionally, before attending ASSW, I applied for an Arctic-related PhD program with the University of Lapland, and being able to consider the research topics I proposed for a PhD, as well as meet University of Lapland professors and researchers at this conference has been extremely exciting. While I am unsure of what the future holds for me, a PhD program or continuing my role at UAA as a junior researcher, I do know that Arctic research is my passion. I hope that the work I do will help both the environment and people thrive in the region, and I don’t see any other place as home.
I chose to attend ASSW so that I could interact with other Arctic researchers in a space of collective learning and appreciation of the Arctic region. Additionally, with the current status of scientific research in the United States, it was especially important to me to be able to interact with scientists from a number of countries around the world and continue to collaborate with partner universities.
Receiving funding from UArctic is essential to be able to attend a high caliber conference such as ASSW. Being able to attend a conference of this nature will stick with me for years to come, and I am excited to see what my future has in store within the sphere of Arctic-related research. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to attend Arctic Science Summit Week, as well as for the funding to travel to Boulder, Colorado."
Part of the YoungArctic project, financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. YoungArctic is a collaboration between High North Center (at Nord University), UArctic, and the International Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA).Follow the project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngarcticproject/