4th Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference and Forum (2011)
"Honoring our traditions, sustaining our future"
March 22–25, 2011
Bethel, Alaska
Hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Kuskokwim Campus
Conference abstracts [PDF; 164 KB]
Updated 3/29/2011.
Second call for papers: deadline extended to 7 March 2011
Hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Kuskokwim Campus, this conference will be the first of its kind to be held in Bethel, Alaska. The intent of this program is to bring together scientists, educators, rural leaders, community members and subsistence hunters and gatherers to discuss science and issues relevant to western Alaska.
This conference will highlight regional scientific efforts and traditional knowledge that provide an interdisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry and resource management. In addition to scientific sessions, the conference will include several workshops addressing topics relevant to life in rural western Alaska. Organizers welcome submissions from all individuals and organizations collecting data in western Alaska.
Meeting Registration
There are no registration fees for this conference, but all attendees are required to register online by 3 p.m. on 17 March, OR fill out and return the registration form [PDF version | Word document] by 15 March, in order to reserve catered meals.
Meeting Workshop Announcements
Pre-Meeting Opportunity
Richard Seifert, Energy and Housing Specialist with the University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service, will present "Home Retrofit Techniques" on Monday, March 21, 2011, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Bethel Campus Cultural Center.
The cold climate retrofit workshop will use photos and anecdotes gathered from the instructor's own experience retrofitting his Fairbanks home in 2005. His narrative will expand to describe building concepts and weatherization techniques commonly used throughout Alaska. Throughout the three-hour workshop, attendees will learn research-based retrofit techniques and what strategies can make the big difference in heating bills. With decades of experience working on housing and energy issues in the state, Rich Seifert can offer practical pointers and cautionary examples which will help any homeowner.
To register, contact Leif, 907-543-4553, or Leah, 907-543-4564.
Post-Meeting Opportunity
Steve Brown and Shari George, who work with GPS and GIS through the University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service, will present Avoiding GPS GIS Pitfalls [PDF; 974 KB] on Friday, March 25, 2011, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Kuskokwim Campus Computer Lab.
Just about everyone uses GPS units when they are collecting field data. You can make your life much easier (and your project more successful) if you know how to set up your GPS unit for field collection, understand what it takes to get your data into your GIS correctly, what to look for with the data you already have in your GIS, what transformations you can safely use, and how to avoid other gotchas!
This workshop is limited to 12 (for now). We're working on adding room for a few more!
To register, contact Shari George, Fairbanks State Office, or Steve Brown, Palmer–Copper River/Mat-Su District.
Travel Funding Available
Limited travel funding for presenters from rural Alaska is available. Download the application here (MS Word file). For questions, contact Rose Meier, rameier@alaska.edu, (907) 474-6935. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. AST on 1 March 2011.
Travel Funding Available for High School Students
Are you a coastal Alaskan resident? Are you interested in science? Do you want to present your science project at a science conference?
The UAF Bristol Bay Campus has funding available to sponsor high school students to this year's WAISC in Bethel.
Get published – network with professionals – meet other young scientists from Western Alaska.
Papers are due February 14, 2011.
For more information, contact Izetta Chambers, (907) 842-8323, or Todd Radenbaugh.
For Questions
Please contact Rose Meier, Ethnobotany Program, Kuskokwim Campus, University of Alaska Fairbanks, rameier@alaska.edu or phone (907) 474-6935.