Leading Research at CLA

Innovation & Impact

Explore how CLA faculty are shaping conversations, driving discovery, and producing creative work that reaches far beyond the university. Their research contributes to global scholarship while reflecting the values and complexity of the North.

 
 

CLA faculty lead research and creative work across the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Their projects challenge ideas, spark dialogue, and reflect the depth and complexity of life in Alaska and beyond. Many of these efforts include undergraduate and graduate students as active collaborators 鈥 offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and a direct connection to the research process. Their work fuels UAF鈥檚 mission to expand knowledge, foster innovation, and amplify the role of the liberal arts in a nationally recognized research university.

 

 

The Liberal Arts at Work

Photo courtesy of Tammy Buonasera Tammy Buonasera, assistant professor at the 春水堂视频, looks at test results from her study of proteins in tooth enamel.
Secrets in our Smiles

Tammy Buonasera鈥檚 research uses tooth enamel proteins to uncover health, stress, and disease patterns in humans from the past to the present.

Tyler Kirk and his book, After the Gulag: A History of Memory in Russia's Far North. Photo courtesy of Kirk
After the Gulag

Tyler Kirk鈥檚 After the Gulag reveals how former Soviet prisoners shaped memory and sought justice through memoirs, art, and post-release networks.

Charles Mason poses with his VW Syncro Westfalia Vanagon as seen through the viewfinder of his 8X10 camera at Creamer's Field Wednesday, August 17, 2022. UAF Photo by Eric Engman
Denali Through Collodion

Photography professor Charles Mason captures Denali using 19th-century collodion techniques, embracing imperfection to portray Alaska鈥檚 raw, wild beauty.

It take a village to produce a film. Producer Maya Salganek watches Cast and Crew behind the scenes during the "A Night for Conversation." Photo courtesy of the UAF Department of Theatre & Film
F.R.A.M.E.

Led by Maya Salganek, UAF鈥檚 Frame program trains students in film production, supporting Indigenous storytelling and hands-on media career experience.

The Circumpolar Music Series led by Term Assistant Professor, Sean Dowgray, accompanied by fellow Music Department students, faculty, and volunteers at the Davis Concert Hall, on Feb. 21, 2025. (UAF photo by Leif Van Cise)
Circumpolar Music Series

Percussionist Sean Dowgray curates UAF鈥檚 Circumpolar Music Series, spotlighting innovative artists exploring sound across northern latitudes.

Tori McDermott. Photo courtesy of McDermott
Beyond Buzzwords

Tori McDermott examines how students define what makes classrooms welcoming and respectful, revealing disconnects and strategies for more intentional teaching.

 

 

 

 

Curious about the incredible work happening across the College of Liberal Arts?



Visit the contact pages for each department to learn more about faculty members 鈥 their bios, research interests, and current or recent projects.

Browse by department below:

 

 

For updates on new research, faculty achievements, and upcoming events, be sure to follow our news feed 鈥 stories are added regularly.