Student selected for Arctic leadership program
October 27, 2014
907-474-2462
10/28/2014
A University of Alaska Fairbanks student has been selected to represent the United States in a program to discuss future development in the High North with leaders in academia, business and the public sector.
Yekaterina (Katia) Kontar, a doctoral student in an interdisciplinary program in the International Arctic Research Center and the Department of Geology and Geophysics at UAF, will participate in the Arctic Frontiers’ Emerging Leaders program held in Norway in January 2015. She'll be one of two U.S. representatives.
With climate and energy as an overarching theme, the participants will explore the potential of marine resources, learn about history and culture of the region, and engage in discussions and presentations for seven days.
Kontar, who studies Arctic hazards in terms of public policy, international relations and risk communications, finds discussions on climate and energy crucial to Alaska’s future development.
“Living in Alaska for the last year has opened my eyes to the significant effects global climate change has on the Arctic and its residents, both positive and negative,” Kontar said.
While in Norway, she hopes to share her research in climate change adaptation and the prospects for and challenges of sustainable energy development in Alaska. She hopes to share her renewed understanding of future development in the High North with Alaska scientists and decision-makers.
“This is a well-deserved award in recognition of Katia's leadership potential,” noted IARC director Larry Hinzman. “This is an opportunity for Katia to interact with some of the top established scientists and other budding scientific leaders from around the world. We are proud of Katia and pleased that an IARC graduate student was selected for this honor.”
Kontar is fluent in Russian and English and is familiar with Russian and American culture.
“Introduction to the government, industry and Scandinavian dimensions of the Arctic would be a great added experience,” said John Eichelberger, dean of the Graduate School and Interdisciplinary Programs at UAF and her academic advisor.
“This is a great opportunity for Katia because she is well on her way to emerge” as a scientific leader, he noted.
Aiming to foster young professionals, postdoctoral fellows and doctoral students, the Emerging Leaders program attracts applicants from Norway as well as around the world.
To learn more about the 2015 Emerging Leaders conference, visit www.arcticfrontiers.com/2015-conference/emerging-leaders.
CONTACT: Yekaterina Kontar, 907-474-1953, ykontar@alaska.edu.
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