Friday Focus: Delivering science to Alaskans
June 11, 2020
— by Nettie La Belle-Hamer, interim vice chancellor for research, and Alaska Satellite Facility director
I have loved science before I really knew what that meant. By the time I enrolled in my first classes in high school I knew that I wanted to be a scientist. So, I took biology, chemistry, physics — and math, always math. I pictured my future in a lab coat, which as a physicist I (sadly) do not actually wear.
I had only vague ideas about what a life as a scientific researcher would mean, with no anticipation of the additional hurdles for a woman from Alaska. I have experienced discrimination, discouragement and moments of despair at every step of my career, and have persevered by keeping focused on the science I love. I have no regrets. Now I find myself in a position of leadership at UAF in a time of political attacks on education, an economic crisis for our state, and a global pandemic.
I say, bring it. #sciencenotsilence
I truly believe what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Making it through tough times creates resilience for the next challenge — because there is always a next challenge. Alaskans are strong. We can get through this and remain true to our mission. We are in this together.
As the newest member of the UAF leadership team, I welcome this opportunity to pursue my part of the mission of Alaska’s flagship research university in this new role. The challenge is to deliver science to Alaskans in this environment, and that takes many forms.
In the classroom, we teach students from all disciplines and all walks of life the basic concepts of science in our modern world. In the laboratory, we work together to advance our understanding of the natural world, including the humans in it. In the community, we communicate scientific knowledge, both by teaching what we have learned and by learning what our local and indigenous elders can teach us.
Intellectual curiosity can take many forms, all of which are important to the university culture. Scientific research has profoundly changed our daily lives for the better, even for those not involved directly in science. Our job at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research is to support, encourage and nurture the research aspects of this university. I look forward to serving you.
Friday Focus is a column written by a different member of UAF’s leadership team every week. On occasion, a guest writer is asked to contribute a column.