About

I am a Research Professor at the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks. I am originally from Fairbanks and studied Geology at Carleton College (B.A.) before returning to Fairbanks for graduate school in Geology (MSc) and Biology (PhD). My early work focused on multiple aspects of landscape change in the Arctic, such as shrub expansion and permafrost thaw, before venturing into related changes in wildlife, including moose, snowshoe hares, ptarmigan, migratory birds, and eventually beavers. Interdisciplinary ideas and common sense approaches borne of wilderness experience and observation have led to occasionally surprising discoveries. I enjoy collaborating with science students, writers, artists and others on their pursuits.

Book & traveling museum exhibit: Then & Now: The Changing Arctic Landscape (2010-2020)

Visiting scholar: Carleton College (2013), Northern Arizona University (2019), University of Southeast Norway (2022)

Awards: Fulbright Award (Norway), Rasmussen Tier I grant, Housberg Award for Excellence in Still Photography, Distinguished Achievement (Carleton College), NSF, NASA, and others