Political Science students highlighted in the Capitol Report
Representative Will Stapp
Roles: Alaska State Representative - House District 32 (E. Fairbanks, Ft. Wainwright, Badger Rd.), Member: House Finance, Chair: House University Finance Sub-Committee, Chair: House Health & Social Services Finance Sub-Committee
UA Affiliation
Rep. Stapp attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks to pursue his Bachelor of Arts
degree in History. He was President of the Phi Alpha Theta UAF History Honors Society,
and a student veteran. As a legislator, Rep. Stapp has advocated for funding the UAF
Drone Program, and honored the UAF Student Government with a Legislative Citation.
He still regularly appears on campus to engage with faculty and staff, and will ultimately
find time to finish his degree program.
Why UA is valuable to Rep. Stapp
“The university adds economic value to the state whether it is through workforce development,
worldwide research opportunities, or providing innovative solutions to uniquely Alaskan
or Arctic region issues. Investment in the economic drivers such as the university
are key to the economic success of the state.”
Bernard Aoto
Role: Chief of Staff: Office of Representative Will Stapp
UA Affiliation
Bernard attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks and graduated in 2020 as a first-generation
student with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice.
He was President of the Associated Students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks
(ASUAF), President of the UAF Model United Nations club, served as a member of the
Pi Sigma Alpha UAF Political Science Honor Society, and a member of the Student Veteran
Association. As a student, Bernard advocated for establishing the Student Support
Fund, renovating the Wood Center Bowling Alley, and establishing the Festival of Native
Arts as an official UAF Tradition. As an alumnus, he advocated on behalf of the university
through the UA Alumni Association.
Why UA is valuable to Bernard
“The university is a pillar of what makes the state of Alaska great. The university
emphasizes quality higher education while also serving unique areas such as Arctic
research, Alaska native studies, and Arctic engineering. It is through working and
interacting with the faculty, staff, and students at the university that allows people
like me to better understand complex issues, gain social and cultural competency,
and develop connections with the future generations of leaders in Alaska.”
Paul Menke
Role: UAF Ted Stevens Legislative Student-intern
UA Affiliation
A relative newcomer to Alaska, Paul came to UAF in 2020 to pursue an undergraduate
degree in Political Science. He currently serves in ASUAF Student Government as a
Senator. During his time in the Senate, he has successfully advocated for increased
financial resources for student academic travel and the prioritization of in-person
learning.