BLaST Scientist of the Month: Todd Brinkman
April 1, 2021
Todd Brinkman has been named the BLaST Scientist of the Month for April 2021.
Brinkman is a UAF faculty mentor from the Department of Biology and Wildlife. Originally from western South Dakota, he spent some time in Minnesota, and ended up in Alaska about 20 years ago. He has a B.S. double-degree in biology and environmental science from Minnesota State University, a M.S. in wildlife science from South Dakota State University, and a Ph.D. in biology with an emphasis in wildlife ecology from UAF.
Aside from teaching, he enjoys hunting, fishing, growing his own food, and tinkering with tools.
“Being out on the land with my family keeps me grounded and healthy,” he said.
Brinkman’s focus on wildlife ecology has led him to work with many rural villages and tribal organizations on the North Slope and Interior and Southeast Alaska, concentrating on large mammals such as deer, moose, caribou and bears. One research partnership with the northern community of Nuiqsut quantified aircraft disturbance in areas important for caribou hunting.
“It’s important to work with tribes of Alaska," he said. "I have had the privilege to partner with 10 to 15 communities in the last four or five years on research priorities identified by each community.”
Brinkman currently is working with Tanana Chiefs Conference, an Interior Alaska tribal organization.
“In my opinion, the science we conduct is stronger and more impactful when local knowledge is integrated with our instrument and field-based data.”
Brinkman has mentored several BLaST Scholars. His philosophy and strategies often are catered to the mentees’ needs. He factors in the strengths and weaknesses of each, and accounts for what excites them and what they need to facilitate the next chapter of their scientific career.
“Because of the talent and hard work of BLaST Scholars, my job has been fun and easy. I provide guidance and nudge BLaST students in a productive direction. After that, I get to watch them demonstrate their abilities and deliver great products.”
Brinkman worked with Gwen Quigley (BLaST 2018-2019) on developing her rapid assessment tool for studying vegetation regeneration in wildfire fuel breaks using drones. Shelby McCahon (BLaST 2019-20) used a novel approach to complete a study exploring winter trail use by different user groups at Creamer’s Wildlife Refuge in Fairbanks and is continuing her work with Brinkman, analyzing her data to develop a technique for quantifying trail user encounter rates.
Currently, Brinkman is co-mentoring Michelle Quillin (BLaST 2020-21) with Dana Brown, a postdoctoral student with the Institute of Arctic Biology. Quillin is using satellite data to assess changes in moose hunting opportunities around her home community of Hughes. The results of each of these projects will help land managers and local interest groups plan and adapt.
Brinkman teaches WLF (Wildlife) 322, Principles and Techniques of Wildlife Management, WLF 470/670, Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management, and has taught WLF 101, Introduction to Wildlife Science. These courses provide education and training on how to foster wildlife conservation and sustainably enhance positive and mitigate negative human-wildlife interactions.
Click here for the flyer.
The Biomedical Learning and Student Training program at UAF highlights scientists from all biomedical fields through their Scientist of the Month articles. These articles are shared with their partners within University of Alaska Fairbanks and other institutions across Alaska and outside including University of Alaska Southeast rural campuses, Iļisaġvik College, and with BLaST’s partners: Fort Lewis College, Diné College, Salish Kootenai College and Alaska Pacific University.
For more information, please contact reporting and outreach coordinator Amy Topkok at aktopkok@alaska.edu, or visit the BLaST website.
BLaST is supported by the NIH Common Fund, through the Office of Strategic Coordination, Office of the NIH Director with the linked awards: TL4GM118992, RL5GM118990, UL1GM118991.