UAF representatives on UArctic Assembly

Oct. 27, 2021

Laura Conner and Jessica Black will represent UAF on the UArctic Assembly. UArctic is a network of 230 intuitions that are invested in research and education in or about Northern regions. 

headshot of a woman
Photo courtesy of Laura Conner
Research Associate Professor Laura Conner will represent UAF on the UArctic Assembly.

Laura Conner will serve as the primary assembly representative. She served as the alternate assembly representative for one year prior to this appointment. Conner is a research associate professor of science education with the Geophysical Institute and the College of Natural Science and Mathematics. She received her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Arizona in 2007. 

During graduate school, Conner served as an NSF GK-12 teaching fellow, which initiated her interest in science learning. Her work now primarily addresses science identity, the integration of art and science, and teacher professional development. She also leads the science teaching and outreach graduate certificate program, and currently serves as faculty fellow for dual enrollment. 

headshot of a woman
UAF photo by JR Ancheta
Associate Professor Jessica Black will represent UAF on the UArctic Assembly.

Jessica Black will serve as the alternate assembly representative. Black is Gwich’in Dena from the villages of Gwichyaa Zhee (Fort Yukon) and Toghotthele (Nenana), Alaska. Black currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Alaska Native Studies, Rural Development and the tribal governance program. 

Black received her bachelor’s degree in social work at UAF and her master’s degree and Ph.D. in social work at Washington University in St. Louis. Her dissertation and current research examine the relationship between governance and well-being among Alaska Native peoples, especially as it pertains to tribal stewardship and cultural connectivity. 

UAF affiliates can get involved in UArctic by joining thematic networks, traveling through the north2north mobility program, and other activities. Thematic networks are led by UArctic member institutions and engage in research and knowledge sharing in northern-related areas of expertise. The north2north program offers opportunities for students to study abroad at a variety of northern institutions.

For more information, call Toni Abbey, assistant to the provost, at 907-474-6634.