Doctor of Philosophy Degrees

College of Engineering and Mines

Dr. William E. Schnabel, Dean

Md Ibnul Hasan

Ph.D. Engineering: Environmental Engineering
B.S., Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, 2015; M.S., Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, 2018; M.S., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2021
Thesis: Mechanical Properties of Biofilms in Water Distribution and Bioremediation Systems

This dissertation explores biofilm behavior in water systems, emphasizing their risks in drinking water and potential for treating acid mine drainage. Through analysis of biofilm composition, structure, strength, and environmental interactions, it develops strategies for public health protection and resource recovery, focusing on innovative control methods and sustainable engineering solutions.

Major professors: Dr. Srijan Aggarwal and Dr. Subhabrata Dev

College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences

Dr. S. Bradley Moran, Dean

Marina Washburn Alcantar*

Ph.D. Marine Biology
B.S., Texas Christian University, 2017
Thesis: Characterizing Ocean Change Impacts on Three Marine Species Vital to Recreational, Subsistence, and Commercial Fisheries in Alaska

Examinations of anthropogenically forced ocean change’s effects on species central to Alaska’s fisheries employed experimentation to evaluate organismal stress responses. This study indicates the impacts of climate change are highly species specific, highlighting the need for tailored experimentation and integrated analyses across various levels of biological organization for accurate assessments.

Major professor: Dr. Amanda Kelley

Matthew L.H. Cheng**

Ph.D. Fisheries
B.S., University of New Hampshire, 2017
Thesis: Addressing Non-Stationary Fishery Dynamics and Demographic Complexity in Integrated Stock Assessment Models

Stock assessment models estimate fish population status using complex mathematical models. A case study of Alaska sablefish and a simulation-estimation framework were employed to evaluate alternative approaches for addressing nonstationary fishery dynamics and to determine the importance of incorporating various demographic complexities in sex-structured assessment
models.

Major professor: Dr. Curry J. Cunningham

Kyle Dilliplaine

Ph.D. Oceanography
B.S., University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2013; M.S., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2017
Thesis: Sea-Ice Bloom Dynamics, Putative Parasitoids, and Crude-Oil Impacts to Microbiota Modified by Irradiance

This dissertation examines how Arctic sea-ice microbial communities respond to light stress and crude oil exposure. Field and lab studies reveal species-specific vulnerabilities among diatoms, shifts toward flagellates, and parasitic interactions that influence bloom dynamics.

Major professor: Dr. Gwenn Hennon

Janessa Antonia Esquible**

Ph.D. Fisheries
B.S., Michigan State University, 2014; M.S., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2018
Thesis: Salmon, Stewardship, and Indigenous Livelihoods: Bridging Knowledge Systems and Reshaping Research Relationality in the Kuskokwim Region of Southwestern Alaska

This research aims to better understand historical and contemporary ways in which Alaska Native peoples steward salmon and the values connected to salmon stewardship, and bridges knowledge of Indigenous and community knowledge holders and federal and state staff around the state of salmon management and research in the Kuskokwim region.

Major professor: Dr. Courtney Carothers

Stephanie Hicks O’Daly*

Ph.D. Oceanography
B.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2014; M.S., University of Alaska ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2019
Thesis: Transformations and Deep Intrusions of Particles and Plankton in the Global Oceans: Which Particles Sink Deeper and Why

Multiple facets of the ocean’s biological carbon pump are investigated using a combination of sediment traps, in situ particle imaging, and machine learning technology. This research can help better predict how the strength of carbon storage in the ocean may change with climate change, which is critical for climate modelers.

Major professor: Dr. Gwenn Hennon

College of Indigenous Studies

Ms. Teisha Simmons, Interim Dean

Joel D. Isaak Łiq’a Yes**

Ph.D. Indigenous Studies
B.F.A., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2008; M.F.A., Alfred University, 2016
Thesis: Teaching Dena’ina Language through Dena’ina Culturally Based Reading Practices

As Dena’ina tribes work toward bringing back the Dena’ina language, the community grapples with the role of reading and writing, both potentially harming and aiding community language work. A classroom-based action research qualitative study determined reading instruction in the Dena’ina language can be culturally based.

Major professors: Dr. Hishinlai’ Peter and Dr. Siri Tuttle

Kelly Jo McCormick*

Ph.D. Indigenous Studies
A.A., Clark Community College, 1992; B.S., Portland State University, 1995; M.A.T., University of Alaska Southeast, 2002
Thesis: Alaska Basketball: Leadership on the Court and Success Beyond the Game

This qualitative study examined how involvement in a high school basketball program relates to success later in life (as determined by Alaska Native male participants). The investigation addressed which supports are specifically relevant and how participation in high school basketball programs influences Alaska Native male participants.

Major professors: Dr. Michael Koskey and Dr. Theresa Arevgaq John

College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Ellen D.S. Lopez, Dean

Sarah G. Elmore-Hernandez

Ph.D. Gender and Politics: Interdisciplinary Program
B.A., University of Colorado, 2011; M.A., University of Colorado, 2013
Thesis: In Their Own Words: Exploring the Political Lives of Women Legislators in Guam

This study examines how Guam’s women lawmakers negotiate political identity, navigate policy interests, and enact change. Using oral history, the research highlights lawmakers’ strategic use of maternal imagery and Indigenous Chamoru values, challenging universalist feminist frameworks and emphasizing the intersection of gender, culture, and colonial histories in policymaking.

Major professors: Dr. Elaine M. Drew and Dr. Mary Therese F. Cruz

Omar Bernardo Gomez Salgado*

Ph.D. Clinical-Community Psychology
B.A., California State University, Dominguez Hills, 2013; M.A., California State University, Dominguez Hills, 2015; M.S., University of Alaska Anchorage, 2017
Thesis: A Phenomenological Exploration of Behavioral Health Aides’ Perceptions of Telebehavioral Health Services with Rural Alaska Native and American Indian Beneficiaries in Interior Alaska

This transcendental phenomenological study explored perceptions of Alaska’s behavioral health aides utilizing video teleconference with Alaska Native rural beneficiaries. The results highlight that these tribal health workers appreciate their roles and benefit from employing VTC to obtain collegial and supervisory support, augmenting confidence and utilization for client care.

Major professor: Dr. Valerie Gifford

Varpu M. Lotvonen*

Ph.D. Cultural Anthropology
B.A., University of Helsinki, 2010; M.A., University of Helsinki, 2012
Thesis: Ballad of the Laablaaqs: The Relational Worlds of Sámi Reindeer Herders in Alaska

The U.S. recruited Sámi herders from northern Norway to teach reindeer herding in Alaska (1894–1937), creating enduring transnational ties. This research examines the Sámi role using archival analysis, oral histories, ethnography, and photo elicitation. It highlights shifting governance, Sámi resilience, and enduring connections between Sámi and Alaska Native histories.

Major professor: Dr. Patrick Plattet

Kimi Tomiko Yatsushiro*

Ph.D. Clinical-Community Psychology
B.A., University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2015; M.S., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2019
Thesis: A Phenomenological Exploration of Providers’ Telehealth Experiences with Rural Alaska Native and American Indian Beneficiaries in Interior Alaska

This dissertation sought to explore the lived experiences of mental health providers in Interior Alaska. Qualitative analysis revealed telehealth to be a helpful tool for providers. Recommended clinical practices include understanding the clients’ context in depth, practicing flexibility, and being mindful of safety, privacy, and local resources.

Major professor: Dr. Valerie Gifford

College of Natural Science and Mathematics

Dr. Karsten Hueffer, Dean

Amgalan Batsurri

Ph.D. Natural Resources and Sustainability
B.P.A., National University of Mongolia, 2017; M.A., National University of Mongolia, 2019
Thesis: Evaluating Sustainability Policies by Measuring Well-Being: Evidence from Mongolia

The study examined the relationship between sustainability policies and well-being within Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s Ger district. The research identified key well-being attributes, which were used to evaluate how the attributes were addressed in sustainability policies across three governance levels. The analysis revealed significant gaps between policy objectives and implementation
outcomes.

Major professors: Dr. Jenifer McBeath and Dr. John Duffy

Matthew Joseph Blandin*

Ph.D. Space Physics
B.S., University of New Hampshire at Durham, 2015
Thesis: Utilizing Different Machine Learning Algorithms to Progress Geomagnetic Field Modeling from Solar Wind Drivers for Geomagnetically Induced Current Detection and Prevention

Geomagnetically induced currents driven by changes in the Earth’s magnetosphere can be highly destructive to our society. This study applied long short-term memory and convolutional neural networks to locally and globally predict geomagnetic field activity in response to solar wind drivers.

Major professors: Dr. Don Hampton and Dr. Hyunju Connor

Laura Brosius

Ph.D. Biological Sciences
B.S. University of Michigan, 2006; M.S., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2010
Thesis: An Exploration of Panarctic Lake Formation and Methane Emission Since the Last Glacial Maximum

Climate warming and deglaciation caused widespread lake formation by a variety of mechanisms across land surfaces poised toward this trajectory by glaciation. Resulting lakes released methane produced from both ancient permafrost soils and contemporary carbon sources, creating a positive climate feedback that helped sustain early Holocene temperature increases.

Major professors: Dr. Katey Walter Anthony and Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte

Sarah Jane Clement

Ph.D. Natural Resources and Sustainability
B.A., Lewis & Clark College, 2014; M.Ed., Western Washington University, 2018
Thesis: Power Dynamics in Arctic Community and Citizen Science: Perspectives from Youth, Educators, and Scientists

Arctic research encompasses large-scale research and collaboration with local individuals and communities, such as through community and citizen science (CCS). This study investigated three groups in Arctic CCS research: youth, teachers, and scientists. Shifting power from scientists to youth, teachers, or communities changes the nature of the outcomes in CCS projects.

Major professors: Dr. Katie Spellman and Dr. Peter Fix

Cody Earle Deane*

Ph.D. Biological Sciences: Wildlife Biology and Conservation
B.S., University of Nevada, 2010; M.S., Montana State University, 2017
Thesis: Survival, Harvest, and Abundance of Waterfowl Populations Using Tag-Recoveries, Harvest Data, and Bayesian Estimation

This study combined a model for estimating abundance that was parameterized in the 1930s with a model for estimating harvest and survival probability that was parameterized in the 1980s. Combining these two models in a Bayesian estimation framework improves the precision of abundance estimates for harvested duck and goose populations.

Major professor: Dr. Greg Breed

Emily Rose Fedders

Ph.D. Geophysics
B.S., Appalachian State University, 2019
Thesis: Sea Ice Strain, Stress, and Fracture Activity at Kilometer Scales

Sea ice is composed of areas of effectively continuous ice bounded by active fractures. This study mapped fracture locations and measured strain (deformation) in continuous ice between them using radar interferometry. These observations allow novel measurement of sea ice elastic properties, spatial strain variability, and cycles of fracture quiescence and reactivation.

Major professor: Dr. Andrew R. Mahoney

Dillon McKenzie Gillespie

Ph.D. Space Physics
A.S., Paradise Valley Community College, 2013; B.S., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2019
Thesis: Wave Driven Diffuse Aurora and Ionospheric Conductance Global Patterns

This study quantified the impact of chorus and electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves on diffuse electron aurora and ionospheric conductance across varying geomagnetic conditions. Using satellite observations, we derived precipitated electron energy flux and conductance patterns, revealing that lower band chorus waves contribute significantly more to precipitation than upper band chorus and ECH waves.

Major professors: Dr. Doğacan Su Öztürk and Dr. Hyunju Connor

Gino Graziano

Ph.D. Natural Resources and Sustainability
B.S., University of Portland, 2001; M.S., Alaska Pacific University, 2005
Thesis: Control of Invasive Plants at High Latitudes with Persistent Herbicides: Understanding Persistence, to Manage Pesticide Residues, and Achieve Effective Control

Invasive plants are considered a problem in management of natural resources and maintenance of ecosystem services in Alaska. This work documented the impacts of herbicide degradation and movement at high latitudes. Some herbicides remain in soil for some time. These effects can be mitigated by choosing less persistent herbicides.

Major professors: Dr. Mingchu Zhang and Dr. Patrick Tomco

Amy Sakura Hendricks**

Ph.D. Atmospheric Sciences
B.S., University of Oklahoma, 2012; M.S., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2016
Thesis: Climate Variability, Trends, and Impacts on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta with Insights into Relationship-Building to Enhance Climate Science

This thesis explores climate variability in Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta guided by insights from Yup’ik Elders. It examines climate links to tundra vegetation trends, shifting hydroclimate regimes, early-season wildland fires, and lessons learned from building relationships and context for Arctic climate research.

Major professor: Dr. Uma Bhatt

Moriah M. Hunstiger*

Ph.D. Biochemistry and Neuroscience: Biochemistry
B.S., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2016
Thesis: Metabolism and Thermogenesis in the Hibernating Arctic Ground Squirrel

Arctic ground squirrels tolerate a 42°C range in body temperature during transitions between torpor and arousal. Heat production categories — shivering and nonshivering thermogenesis — assist in regulating body temperature. Changes in respirometry, protein expression, and body temperature indicate tightly regulated metabolism in the adipose tissue and muscle of hibernating
squirrels.

Major professors: Dr. Ryan Oliver and Dr. Kelly Drew

Emily Kate Maxwell*

Ph.D. Epidemiology: Interdisciplinary Program
B.A., Dartmouth College, 2014; M.P.H., University of Alaska Anchorage, 2021
Thesis: Exploring the COVID-19 Infodemic in Alaska

The onset of COVID-19 coincided with an unprecedented rise in health misinformation. This dissertation assessed the impacts of COVID-19 misinformation in Alaska using a mixed methods approach. Findings from these studies offer insight into infodemic dynamics in Alaska, including trends in online misinformation and the challenges posed by misinformation.

Major professors: Dr. Arleigh Reynolds and Dr. David Parker

Jamshid Akbar Moshrefzadeh*

Ph.D. Geoscience: Geology
B.S., University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 2017; M.S., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2024
Thesis: Pinpointing Magma Processes in Time and Space

By studying chemical diffusion, crystal growth, and crystal dissolution, the study identified and dated the magma processes that triggered recent eruptions of two Alaska volcanoes. Our results aid in interpreting interdisciplinary monitoring data and contribute to the development of eruption forecasting models for Bogoslof and Redoubt volcanoes in Alaska.

Major professor: Dr. Jessica Larsen

David Polashenski*

Ph.D. Geophysics
B.A., Dartmouth College, 2017; B.E., Dartmouth College Thayer School of Engineering, 2018
Thesis: Ice Velocity and Basal Motion Evolution of Mountain Glaciers on Multi-Decadal to Centennial Timescales

The surface velocity of a glacier consists of two components — viscous deformation in the ice column and basal motion. This dissertation showed that basal motion is a primary control on glacier velocities for both surging and
nonsurging glaciers over multi-decadal to centennial timescales.

Major professor: Dr. Martin Truffer

Susan A. Woods

Ph.D. Sub-Arctic Horticultural Science: Interdisciplinary Program
B.A., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2001; M.S., ��ˮ����Ƶ, 2011
Thesis: Effects of Iron Nutrients in Sub-Arctic Horticulture

Expanding crop production in sub-Arctic regions requires controlled environment greenhouses. Experiments showed that seasonal sunlight and supplementary lighting impacted effects of iron fertilizers on hydroponically produced lettuce. This work demonstrated that iron management based on the sub-Arctic season can benefit production of high-quality crops and promote iron homeostasis in plants.

Major professors: Dr. Lawrence Duffy and Dr. Brian Rasley

School of Education

Dr. Douglas Cost, Dean

Deborah Hull-Jilly

Ph.D. Geospatial and Temporal Studies of Suicide: Interdisciplinary Program
B.A., San Francisco State University, 1979; M.P.H., University of Washington, 1997
Thesis: Geospatial and Temporal Epidemiology of Suicides Among Alaska Native People

The study used the Alaska Violent Death Reporting System data and applied spatial, temporal, and space-time analyses to identify unusual concentrations — or clusters — of suicide among Alaska Native people. The findings underscore the value of spatial and space-time methods in identifying risk and protective factors at the community level.

Major professor: Dr. Valerie Gifford