Undergraduate Research: Much More Than A Lab

by Nicole

I'm taking this post to deviate a bit from my usual theme of dorm life. Dorm life provides a good base for exploration for students on campus; having their living quarters so close to their academics allows for residents to branch easily in campus activities while minimizing the horrors of transportation costs (or the frigid weather, in most cases). These activities include athletics, clubs and student organizations, and (the one I am going to develop here today), undergraduate research.

UAF prides itself on a strong hands-on approach to learning both in and out of the classroom. The tough environment and consistent challenges mean that students often have to get creative in order to succeed; a good example of this is a sight we often highlight on our campus tours: the steel drivers displayed in the Duckering building, home to the College of Engineering and Mines. These drivers represent the struggle to reconcile the will of man and the tenacity of the Alaskan landscape, especially the tundra. In attempt to drill into permafrost, these once gargantuan towers of steel became malleable as paper cups. The drivers crushed into themselves, unable to pierce the permafrost surface. It would have appeared that the tundra had won; far from the libraries and laboratories that had once served as resources, these researchers had to find a solution on their own. Eventually they did, by changing their methods to allow the tips of the drivers to freeze into the permafrost before proceeding. This mindset characterizes what UAF hopes to inspire in its students: the idea that the unconventional and the creative solutions can often be what jettisons progress. Innovation is both a tradition and a necessity to this campus.

This is the section where I hoped to convey all the different projects being developed on campus, but even as I write this I know, were I to list every single one, the compiled list would be an absolute tome. Projects are in constant development, being mulled, being planned, or are currently in progress. The extensive facilities and limitless projects allow for innumerable research topics to be explored. These locations include:

• the agricultural farm just off campus, testing various crops and methods for Alaskan conditions
• the viral laboratory examining pathogens
• the bottom floor of the campus museum—this floor is lined with laboratories continually in action, including archeology, ornithology, entomology, and paleontology (just to name a few)
• Reichardt chemistry, geology, and physics laboratories
• pathology, wildlife, botany, and fisheries labs in O'Neill and Arctic Health Research Center
• and more!

I've dipped my own toe into these waters, and now have the quirkiest, dirtiest, and helpful memories that I've gathered from my college career. I've spliced hundreds upon hundreds of seedlings to incur their growth; I've mixed chemicals like ingredients in a recipe; I've measured and identified fish samples taken straight from the mouths of puffins (for the record—they don't smell any better fourteen years later); I've scrubbed an ancient skull (from a dinosaur whose name I still can't seem to pronounce) with a toothbrush until it gleamed. Most of the time I've stumbled into these opportunities, and they've given me valuable experience that have prepared me for my career after graduation.

A frilled-dinosaur nose bone, scrubbed clean with a toothbrush and Vinac-ed until it shines!

This is what a squid looks like after being frozen for 14 years. He's still lookin' beautiful!

 I would recommend anyone with the drive or purely the curiosity to investigate this opportunity to themselves. There's a niche for anyone willing to try and eager to learn, no matter the level of experience or class ranking. 

Arctic Winter Games College Fair

The Arctic Winter Games are in full swing in Fairbanks this week, and as a community sponsor, UAF is rolling out the red carpet to athletes and spectators. During the games, UAF and UArctic, along with the Arctic Winter Games, will host the first ever Arctic Winter Games College Fair in Fairbanks.

Athletes, their parents, and community members can learn about higher education opportunities in the circumpolar North. The college fair will take place from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19th, in the Great Hall on the Fairbanks campus. Door prizes and refreshments will be provided during the fair including an iPad giveaway.

Schools from all around the circumpolar North will be attending, including the Arctic University of Norway, University of Saskatchewan, Ilisimatusarfik - University of Greenland, Ilisagnk College, Alaska Pacific University, The Northern Arctic Federal University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Southeast.

Inside Out is coming SOON!!!

by Valerie

The decision of where to go to college is a tough one, and the road leading to that decision is full of questions. Luckily, UAF gives prospective students the opportunity to see college from the INSIDE OUT, ask questions about everything from research to roommates, and get a first-hand view of what going to college at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is really like. 

Inside Out is happening on March 14th! It's free, but you need to register in advance. Registration closes March 10 (that's next week!) so click on this link to register!

If you already know you want to apply to UAF, take advantage of the Inside Out On-The-Spot Admissions! UAF will waive the application fee if you apply and get your transcripts in more than 2 days before the date! (click here for more details) 

If you aren't sure you want to apply, Inside Out is still a great way to experience a college campus--you can see how it measures up to your other options!

Students from Inside Out last year on their way to mock classes. Photo by JR Ancheta

The schedule for the day is going to be filled with fun! Here's what the schedule looks like! (for more details, you can look here)


 Schedule:
7:45 a.m.Check-In and Registration 

• A casual social atmosphere to start your morning right with coffee or tea.

8:40 a.m. Welcome 

• Learn what it means to be a Nanook!

For these students, being a Nanook means being involved in the Aerial Silks Club! Photo by Todd Paris

9:15 a.m. Mock Classes

• Find out more about the schools and colleges within UAF which interests you most.

10:15 a.m. Walking Tours

•  Get acquainted with the layout of UAF.

11:45 a.m. -1:45 p.m. Choose your own Schedule

•  Individually choose sessions on what you want to learn more about!

 2:00 p.m. UAF Student Panel

• Ask current students your burning questions and get their honest answers.  Send parents to the the "Taking Care of Business Panel" to let them ask the serious questions.

Mathew peeks into a tent during hunger and homelessness awareness week. Photo by Todd Paris.

 3:00 p.m. Grand Finale! (a bundle of surprises we can't tell you about yet. Hint: it involves cookies!)

This is really a great chance to see what it's like to be in college. Whether you are have your heart set on coming to UAF or you've barely started to think about going to college at all, Inside Out gives you a chance to experience college, for real. It's also fun! We can't wait to meet you, and hope to see you there! 

Nanook wants YOU to come to Inside Out! Photo by Todd Paris

Are You a fan of The Olympics?

This year, Fairbanks is the host society for the Arctic Winter Games – the world’s largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth in the circumpolar north. Fairbanks hosted the Arctic Winter Games in 1982, 1988, and now in spring of 2014. Twenty sports will be played at the 2014 Games – everything from Arctic Sports to Wrestling.

In 1970, the first Arctic Winter Games had 500 participants. Today that number has grown to over 2,000. Team Alaska sends approximately 400 athletes to the games. With that many participants, it takes over 2,000 volunteers to support the Games.

UAF will be hosting several sports on campus including snowboarding, soccer, hockey, and basketball. During the games, UAF and UArctic, along with the Arctic Winter Games, will host the first Arctic Winter Games College Fair in Fairbanks. Athletes participating in the games can learn about higher education opportunities in the circumpolar North. The college fair will take place from 9a.m. – 12p.m. and 4p.m. – 7p.m. on Wednesday, March 19^th, in the Great Hall on the Fairbanks campus.

All athletes, their parents and community members are welcome to attend. In addition to the universities in attendance, there will be refreshments and door prizes – including two iPads. Schools from all around the circumpolar North will be attending including The Arctic University of Norway, University of Saskatchewan, Ilisimatusarfik – University of Greenland, Ilisagnk College, Alaska Pacific University, The Northern Arctic Federal University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Southeast. Come check it out!

- Blog post courtesy of Teal Rogers