Alaska EPSCoR Research Infrastructure

University Of Alaska Fairbanks Campus, Fairbanks AK

Investigators

Abstract

The Alaska Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) project will feature infrastructure enhancements in three research focus areas as well as strengthen research competitiveness through S&T planning, outreach and education, technology transfer, targeted hires and faculty development. The research focus areas are: Infrastructure and Systems for Cold Regions, which will consider structures that must function at low temperatures and develop new construction and engineering strategies; High Latitude Environments Contaminants Consortium, which will involve engineers, biologists and chemists developing analytical facilities and expertise to address water, ground and atmospheric contaminants that accumulate at high altitudes; and Integrative Approaches to Environmental Physiology which will use physiological adaptations of Alaskan animals to extreme, highly seasonal environments as platforms for addressing general physiological questions. Infrastructure enhancements in these areas build on strengths of the three participating campuses of the University of Alaska (Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau) and are consistent with on-going program development and strategic plans. Education and human resource programs will support undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students. Partnerships with colleges and rural high schools having predominantly native student populations will be expanded. Outreach to the Alaska business community and state agencies will provide opportunities for planning and development of the state's science and engineering capacity. The infrastructure improvements will greatly enhance the range and depth of research projects and improve the state's research competitiveness.