Research Focus Areas

The Alaska EPSCoR program is centered on four Research Focus Areas that address basic research questions in the unique context of Alaska's northern latitudes and environments.

Integrative Approaches to Environmental Physiology

Life is stressful in extreme environments. Alaskan animals showcase stunning physiological adaptations to endure winter challenges, including:

• Special feeding strategies
• Seasonal cycles of metabolism and reproduction
• Temperature regulation
• Hibernation

Alaska Genome Diversity

New molecular technologies allow scientists to probe unexplored microbial communities and reveal the diversity and functions of microbes in Alaska's soils, ice, permafrost, and hot springs.

Infrastructure and Systems for Cold Regions

Alaskan roads, harbors, and buildings are often constructed on permafrost and seismically unstable sites. Our harsh arctic climate punishes structures and machines that need to function at extremely low temperatures. Researchers are developing new knowledge to buttress construction and engineering design strategies, including development of materials-science capability.

High Latitude Contaminants

Atmospheric- and water-borne contaminants from lower latitudes tend to settle and accumulate at high latitudes. Alaskan scientists investigate the origins, transport, fate, and amelioration of contaminants across rural Alaska, with emphasis on those in permafrost soils and at abandoned, remote outposts.

Other EPSCoR Initiatives

Integrating Research and Education

All new EPSCoR faculty teach undergraduate and graduate courses and mentor research students. After a competitive review of proposals from students, EPSCoR provides academic-year graduate fellowships and support for undergraduate summer research experiences.

Outreach to Rural High Schools

Alaska EPSCoR supports research partnerships between student-teacher teams in rural high schools and university faculty. The students present their research results in State science fairs. EPSCoR also supports the GLOBE Program, which involves students of all grade levels in schoolyard research projects measuring indicators of global climate change.

Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)

In partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage Small Business Development Center, Alaska EPSCoR funds a Phase 0 program to encourage increased participation and the success of SBIR proposals from Alaskan small business entrepreneurs.