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Kyle Augustines, a graphic designer with the UAF University Advancement team, takes a moment to celebrate his graduation with Nook.

Friday Focus: The power of celebration

Last weekend marked the biggest celebration of the year for UAF. At our 102nd commencement, thousands of people packed the Carlson Center to cheer for the members of the Class of 2024, joining graduates in a raucous round of chanting U! A! F! As they walked across the stage, graduates accepted some well-deserved congratulations from university leaders. They posed for photos with the faculty who made their degrees possible. And they joined the community of more than 35,000 alumni who are the heart of Nanook Nation. Commencement is UAF's largest public event. It's a big deal for the university advancement team. Continue reading the Friday Focus.


Alaska FAST program SBIR/STTR 2-Day Accelerator

Join the Alaska Federal And State Technology Partnership Program for a two day accelerator May 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day for the National Science Foundation to access up to $2 million in seed funding. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 10. Contact Evelyn Jacome for more information. Learn more on the two-day accelerator and how it can help small businesses and non-profit research institutions.


Two people walk in front of a 50-kilowatt solar array in the Yukon River community of Galena.

Remote communities benefit from renewable energy research

Renewable energy generation is increasing around the world. Alaska, while remote and in an Arctic climate, is no exception. Communities in Alaska, including remote localities that are far from big cities and often only accessible by air or boat, have some of the most innovative renewable energy technology. Read more on ACEP's research.


The sun shines on young green birch leaves.

Citizen science offers lessons in Fairbanks' climate understanding

Interior Alaska's long winters are the impetus for a lot of long-running citizen science. The Nenana Ice Classic is a 107-year-long climate record for Interior Alaska. But it's not the only citizen science effort in Fairbanks, which also boasts multi-decadal records for predicting green-up, when birch sap will start flowing, and when to stock up on allergy medications to get ready for pollen season. Learn more about how local residents are helping with long-term climate research in the area.

What's happening

Deadlines and reminders


Woman standing in rain gear

Victorino is BLaST Scientist of the Month

Kaia Victorino has been selected BLaST Scientist of the Month for May 2024. To read about this recognition or any previous BLaST Scientist of the Month content, go to the BLaST SOM website. Read more on Victorino and her research.


a female Pacific walrus resting on sea ice in the Bering Sea

Ancient DNA reveals genetic resilience of Pacific walruses

DNA extracted from ancient bones has helped scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks shed light on the surprising resilience of Pacific walruses in the face of historical overhunting. Read more on their ability to bounce back from historic waves of overhunting.


UAF in the News

University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates turn their tassels (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner)

Uncovering the world of the wolverine (BBC)

How Mentoring is Reaching New Teachers in Rural Alaska (ED.gov)

The willows of Interior Alaska and what they can teach us (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner)

Alaska scientists use satellite to detect open water on otherwise frozen rivers (Alaska Public Media)


About Cornerstone

The Cornerstone employee newsletter is produced by University Relations and emailed to all UAF staff and faculty. You can submit news items here.

 

UAF is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination/.