Academic Tuesdays: March 7, 2023

Vera Alexander: A UAF trailblazer

— By Anupma Prakash, provost and executive vice chancellor

Women's History Month, celebrated during March in the U.S., honors the trailblazing women who have shaped the course of American history and who continue to chart the course of our nation's future. At UAF, we are fortunate to have countless examples of women who have changed Alaska and the world with their groundbreaking and inspirational work.

Vera Alexander is an excellent example. Alexander was born in Budapest, Hungary, but her family emigrated to England just before World War II. Over time, Alexander developed an interest in studying the biology of water and ended up at UA in 1962. She started studying algae in Smith Lake on campus and became the first woman to earn a doctorate at the University of Alaska in 1965. 

At the time she earned the degree, women weren’t allowed on research ships, but that would soon change. After 15 years as a researcher and professor, Alexander became director of UAF’s Institute of Marine Science. When the university formed what is today the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in 1987, she became dean and served for nearly 20 years before stepping down in 2004 to serve as Assistant to the Provost for Fisheries and Ocean Policy.

As a distinguished expert in the field of biological oceanography, today she is recognized nationally and internationally for her research in the field of marine science. Her service to the science spans many organizations, most notably 16 years on the Marine Mammal Commission, a founder of the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) serving several years as the U.S. delegate and four years as chair, and 12 years on the International Scientific Steering Committee of the Census of Marine Life.

Alexander has authored or coauthored over 70 papers published in refereed literature and received many honors, including elections as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, to the Arctic Institute of North America, and to the Explorers Club. She received an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Hokkaido University in recognition of her work promoting international scientific cooperation.

Included among her many achievements is the launch of the Research Vessel (R/V) Sikuliaq. Vera's vision for and involvement in its concept and planning led to construction of the first ice-strengthened research vessel built by the National Science Foundation. NSF rewarded her tenacity and commitment to making the R/V Sikuliaq a reality by inviting her to christen the ship on the occasion of its 2012 launch.

This spring, Alexander will receive a commendation from the Alaska State Legislature affirming her many remarkable contributions to the history of the university and the state. Her honorarium will be sponsored by UAF alumnus, Rep. Ashley Carrick. During her time at UAF, she shattered many glass ceilings, and this month we are proud to celebrate Alexander, along with many other women who have been inspired by her example.

Additional information: You can watch an interview with Vera Alexander sponsored by UAF Summer Sessions and Lifelong Learning in 2013.