Posts by Heather McFarland
New 2018 IARC report released
The IARC team is excited to share this selection of notable research activities, updates and achievements from 2017 to fall 2018. During this time, we furthered our mission to foster Arctic research in an international setting through sustained Arctic system science. We continue to help the nation and the world understand, prepare for and adapt to…
Working towards a more diverse and inclusive IARC
IARC is working towards creating a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment that welcomes everyone, values multiple types of knowledge and engages all individuals to help each thrive. As part of this effort, the IARC Diversity and Inclusivity statement was developed. The statement is a living document designed to help guide our institution. Requests also…
Monitoring climate change from space, one leaf at a time
A new Japanese satellite will monitor global climate change and the health of the Earth, from space. Scientists are now validating the satellite by gathering and measuring thousands of leaves from around the world, a feat possible only through international collaboration. As plants grow, they use the sun’s energy to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and…
Alaska students share real-life climate change experiences at international event
This summer seven Alaska high school students, and four teachers traveled to Ireland to present their climate change research. In doing so they discovered their power to contribute to science and their culture. The group was part of Alaska GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) and the Arctic and Earth SIGNs (STEM…
Alaska teacher to join international Arctic research expedition
Oceanographers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center embark this week for a 55-day research expedition in the eastern Arctic Ocean. This year, Fairbanks elementary school teacher Moira O’Malley will join the team. “I am ecstatic about this opportunity,” O’Malley said. O’Malley will write a daily blog, providing updates that are exciting, fun,…
IARC researcher receives presidential award
Elena Sparrow was recently honored with a U.S. presidential award for her excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics mentoring. Sparrow is a University of Alaska Fairbanks research professor and the education outreach director at the International Arctic Research Center. The award, which includes a $10,000 National Science Foundation grant, recognizes the important role mentors…
Arctic climate change: Alternative futures
While changes of sea ice and air temperature have received widespread media coverage, other changes in the cryosphere and the broader Arctic environment have been synthesized in recent assessment reports. A consistent pattern of change through the Arctic system has emerged. However, the future trajectory of the system is subject to various uncertainties, and human…
Congress holds maritime transportation in the Arctic hearing
International Arctic Research Center researcher and retired U.S. Coast Guard captain, Dr. Lawson Brigham, testified to Congress during the Maritime Transportation in the Arctic hearing this week. Brigham was called to testify on June 7 as part of the committee hearing addressing the United States’ lack of adequate infrastructure, research, and preparedness to accommodate increased maritime…
Arctic Field Summer School: student presentations
Join us for student presentations by the 2018 Arctic Field Summer School- Norway-Canada-USA collaboration. When: Friday, June 8 Where: Akasofu 401 Presentation schedule 2:00 – 2:10 Introduction 2:10 – 2:30 Ingrid Olsen, Sofia Kjellman Estimating the response of lake ice breakup to lake depth using satellite observations and field measurements on Northern North Slope, Alaska 2:30…
Climate Change 101
Climate change is happening in Alaska. It is affecting us all. Let’s work together to create positive strategies to adapt. Learn to gather up-to-date, scientific and community-based knowledge about future changes. Develop skills for communicating these changes to others. UAF climate change researchers and communications experts are offering a hands-on, climate change workshop to address climate change questions. Environmental…