Mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in hibernating black bears

Mentor: Dr. Sarah Rice; Black bears suppress their metabolism by 75% in hibernation and 50% during spring emergence, but the mechanisms regulating metabolic suppression are unknown. Studies in hibernating ground squirrels have suggested that inhibition of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDH, complex II) could play a role in metabolic suppression. SDH activity has not been measured in hibernating black bears before. We hypothesized that SDH activity would be lower during hibernation and spring emergence compared to summer levels in kidney, cardiac, skeletal muscle, and liver tissue of black bears

Analyzing the Effectiveness of Maritime Policy for the Management of Increasing Rates of Vessel Traffic in the Bering Strait

The Arctic is changing at a rapid pace, affecting virtually every aspect of life in the region, with major changes to sea ice, permafrost, and traditional lifestyles. These changes, in conjunction with globalization, have led to a rise in interest in the Arctic and accessing its resources. One considerable facet of accessing the Arctic is via maritime activity, with shorter transport times between Asia and Europe, fishing valuable stocks, and access to offshore oil and gas deposits. As countries such as Russia and China are intent on developing the Arctic and commercializing maritime trade routes, many living in the region are contending with the unintended impacts from increased maritime activity that may occur, threatening food and environmental security. While interest in the region is occurring across the Arctic, effects from increased maritime activity are already being felt in the Bering Strait region of Western Alaska, with decreases in multi-year sea ice important for subsistence and natural infrastructure, changes to migratory patterns of several marine species, and occurrences of pollution from vessels (Tsujii et al. 2021; NSIDC 2023; Raymond-Yakoubian and Daniel 2018; Hartsig et al. 2012). The impacts on food and environmental security are likely to be amplified within the Bering Strait due to its unique geography and ecosystem, serving as a migration corridor for many marine species, and as a natural bottleneck for anthropogenic activity, with a mere 50 nautical miles at its narrowest point and the Diomede Islands situated in the middle of the strait (Hartsig et al. 2012). Furthermore, the Bering Strait is the only connection between the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. With the heightened risk for negative impacts to the communities living within the Bering Strait region—such as various types of pollution from maritime activity, ship strikes (either to marine mammals or sea ice) and spread of invasive species—all affecting traditional subsistence lifestyles, a new policy to protect the Bering Strait is needed. Thus, the main objective of this study is to evaluate policy options that could mitigate the impacts of increasing vessel traffic through the Bering Strait. A maritime traffic management plan can be determined by analyzing how vessels behave in response to current policy. To best simulate the potential traffic the Bering Strait could receive as a part of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Northwest Passage (NWP), as well as the theoretical Transpolar Route, policy applicable to the Aleutian Archipelago (along the North Pacific Great Circle Route) is analyzed in addition to the current conditions of the Bering Strait. The policies analyzed within this study include the International Maritime Organization’s ‘Areas to be Avoided’(ATBA) and the United States Coast Guard ‘Alternative Planning Criteria’ (APC, through the Aleutian ATBAs). Analysis of vessel tracklines was performed with spatial software and tabulated data with statistical software. To analyze the ATBA policy for both the Aleutian Chain and Bering Strait, a spatio-temporal Hotspot Analysis was used to investigate pattern shifts in vessel traffic over the 2015 to 2022 dataset. To further analyze the behavior of vessels transiting through waters containing ATBAs, two additional analyses were conducted. For the APC policy and the Aleutian Archipelago ATBAs, email communication between vessel operators and the Marine Exchange of Alaska (MXAK) was analyzed, and information was categorized, such as weather, the type of email exchange, and the overall receptiveness to being contacted. To investigate whether port calls influenced adherence to the ATBAs, vessel traffic along Western Alaska was tabulated by season for the traffic docking at a community. From the analysis, three main findings emerged: (1) vessel behavior is impacted by the ATBA implementation for each respective region, (2) various factors, including weather and community access, continue to influence vessel behavior, and (3) communication from a third-party organization (in this study, MXAK) impacts adherence to the ATBA policy. As policy has influenced vessel behavior in both the Aleutian Archipelago and the Bering Strait region in the past, policy alternatives to manage increased maritime activity within the Bering Strait region can be useful to prevent negative impacts of vessel activity to Western Alaska communities. Using a modified Political, Economic, Social, Technological Analysis (in this analysis Environmental and Legal components were utilized), in conjunction with a Comparative Analysis, policy alternatives were examined for the best option given the current conditions (geopolitical, legal) that the Bering Strait stakeholders face. From the policy analyses conducted, the recommendation for managing increasing rates of maritime activity is to create a voluntary vessel monitoring system with open enrollment by any vessel with the Bering Strait that can provide weather advisories, warn of subsistence activities, and inform of areas to be avoided and other existing policies. Due to this voluntary nature, the vessel monitoring system can transcend both geopolitical tensions between Russia and the United States. Additionally, this policy alternative provides a way for mariners to be aware of any subsistence activities in the region. Upon further increases in maritime activity within the Bering Strait, it will be essential to revisit current policy for effectiveness, as well as include the participation and concerns of the communities located within the Bering Strait Region.National Science FoundationAcknowledgements / Executive Summary / Introduction / Background / Policy Research Methods and Analysis / Policy Research Findings / Policy Analysis / Recommendations / References / Appendi

Equisetum growth on a permafrost gradient

Mentor: Dr. Katie Spellman; Poster research presentation of Equisetum growth in Bonanza Creek

Risk Management Planning for Arctic Infrastructure Construction Projects

A Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Project ManagementArctic construction projects face unique challenges such as ice-rich aggregates, severe weather, and limited resources. This project creates an Arctic-specific risk management system for Alaska Arctic Constructors (AAC), featuring a tailored Risk Register, Lessons Learned Archives, Past Performance Register with historical costs and production rates, and ongoing management of these tools. These scalable tools mitigate risk and enhance planning capabilities. Estimating and management teams gain sharper awareness of threats and opportunities for optimization. Leveraging expertise from knowledgeable key stakeholders via surveys and interviews (designers, government professionals, contractors) plays a critical role in developing these tools while addressing threats inherent to Arctic construction projects (e.g. weather, logistics, resources limitations) and will create the early stages of a risk program. This system boosts AAC’s effectiveness and profitability in this competitive market and challenging environment by enabling precise evaluation of exposure, vulnerabilities, and impacts on cost, schedule, and quality. Successfully planning and executing large construction projects in this region requires calibrated risk management planning tools, and integrating stakeholder knowledge with methodology from Hillson, Barkley, and Lam provides the toolbox.Acknowledgements / Abstract / Keywords & Definitions / Project Background / Project Objectives / Literature Review Results / Research Method, Approach, Analysis / Key Aspects of Application of Project Management Approaches / Conclusions / Recommendations /. Continuous Improvement Beyond this Project / References / Appendice

Providence Alaska Medical Center Research Support Services Roles and Workflows

A Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Project ManagementThis project addresses a critical gap in an oncology research department at a large Alaska healthcare provider by developing a comprehensive guide that documents the roles, responsibilities, and workflows of key positions. The department includes three research nurses, a pediatric Clinical Research Associate (CRA), an adult CRA, a regulatory coordinator, and a manager. Currently, no formal documentation exists to outline the foundational operational workflows of each role, resulting in isolated knowledge and the risk of operational disruptions if staff turnover occurs. This project aims to safeguard against these risks by thoroughly documenting the core functions, processes, and interdependencies of each position. The resulting guides will serve as an essential resource for onboarding new staff, ensuring the continuity of institutional knowledge, and fostering cross-functional collaboration among team members. Additionally, the guides will enhance the department’s ability to standardize operations, improve efficiency, accountability, and organizational maturity. Beyond acting as a knowledge base, this resource will provide a structured framework to support departmental growth, enabling it to justify budgetary needs, scale operations effectively, and adapt to future changes. Ultimately, this project will ensure the department’s resilience and sustainability by preserving critical knowledge and aligning team efforts with organizational goals.List of Exhibits / List of Appendices / Background / Scope Description / Organization / Quality Management / Timeline and Milestones / Predicted Versus Actual / Challenges and Solutions / Project Outcomes / Recommendations / Future Projects / Conclusion / Reference

Intimate Partner Technology-Facilitated Abuse (TFA): Technological Tools and Tactics

This fact sheet provides a brief overview of the technological tools and associated behavioral tactics used to facilitate abuse against intimate partners, as documented in the research literature

Exploring the Roles of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Food Service Management Practice Settings and the Established Guidelines That Aid in Assessing Competency

A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Dietetics and NutritionBackground: Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are highly qualified professionals to manage food service operations, yet only 3% of RDNs work in food service management. Objective: The objective of this research is to determine what established guidelines, training, certifications, and advanced degrees RDNs working in management of food and nutrition systems (MFNS) use to develop their level of expertise. Methods: RDNs who are members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Management of Food and Nutrition Systems Dietetic Practice Group were invited to participate in a survey to assess characteristics of current RDNs working in MFNS, and to determine resources, training and certificates that develop their level of expertise. Participants were also invited to express their views on how the role of an RDN has changed now that a graduate degree is required to earn the RDN credential. Results: Of 29 respondents, 86.2% have earned a master’s degree or higher. Only 13.4% said they were “familiar” with the Revised 2021 Standards of Professional Performance in MFNS, and none said they were “very familiar.” Most agreed or strongly agreed that supervised experiential learning (89.6%) and competency-based education (65.5%) helped prepare them for their current positions. Additional certifications and resources that respondents most-commonly cited include ServSafe Certification (24%) and practice group resources (24%). Conclusion: Supervised experiential learning and competency-based education serves as a foundation that prepares future RDNs that are interested in pursuing a career in Management of Food and Nutrition Systems. Participating in foodservice organizations and certifications related to leadership, management, and food service aid in developing a level of expertise

Examination of Microplastic Content in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and Cassin’s auklets (Ptychoramphus aleuticus)

Mentor: Kit Cunningham; This project will document and compare the microplastic content and quantity in the diets of Steller sea lions and Cassin’s auklets. Due to their distinct diet differences, this comparison will allow for a more holistic understanding of microplastic accumulation within the marine food web and where microplastic accumulation might be occurring

Salivary Cortisol and Correlations to Academic Performance

Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Peterson; Stress has far-reaching consequences, not just for individuals but society generally. How do we mitigate these consequences of stress and workload? This study was unable to make strong conclusions about correlations between cortisol but weak correlations exist which may be more well-emphasized by a larger sample size. This study helped to generate a concrete future methodology that may be replicated in the future at greater length