Research, Community, and Free Ice Cream — UAF’s Arctic Research Open House was a Sun-Shining Success!

ACEP and more than a dozen other UAF research groups welcomed hundreds of Fairbanks community members to West Ridge for the first in-person Arctic Research Open House since 2019. The event showcased and demystified the Arctic research happening in our backyard and beyond.

Last year’s open house was a virtual scavenger hunt.

“Being able to hold the open house in person was really exciting, and I am so thankful for the great weather,” said ACEP’s chief storyteller, Amanda Byrd. “I feel that the unified effort from UAF’s Arctic research communications and storytelling teams created a fun, educational and welcoming event for the public.”

Each research group and college had planned activities that were both educational and, of course, fun for attendees of all ages. Researchers were on hand for face-to-face conversations. 

ACEP offered visitors a chance to interact with a “dancing Tesla” while learning about electric vehicle performance in Alaska. The center also challenged attendees to pedal a stationary bike hooked to a generator and win a prize for producing the most watts. The winning wattage was 247!

ACEP researchers and staff had a great time at the open house! Over a dozen of them eagerly spoke with attendees about all things energy- and power-related. 

A big thanks to those who made this event possible and to those who attended. We had a lot of fun! 

 

Tom Marsik points out to a young Fairbanks community member how many Watts he is generating while pedaling the wattage generator bike at ACEP's Arctic Research Open House booth. Photo by Jeff Fisher.