Past award recipients

2024

Brandon Boylan, teaching
William Simpson, research
Katie Spellman, service

Brandon Boylan

2024 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

In numerous letters supporting his nomination, Boylan’s colleagues and students describe him as a model scholar-educator who upholds rigorous academic standards while offering generous encouragement and support to graduate and undergraduate students and colleagues.

Boylan’s expertise includes international relations and security, political violence, ethnic conflict, separatist movements, and Arctic politics and security. He joined ��’s Department of Political Science, which he currently chairs, in 2013, and he has served as director of Arctic and Northern studies since 2020. Boylan co-founded the Model Arctic Council, an academic program that involves students from around the circumpolar North in collaborative learning exercises related to Arctic challenges and concerns.

Boylan holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania; a master’s in international studies from the University of Limerick in Ireland; a master’s of business administration from ��; and a doctoral degree in international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.

William R. Simpson

2024 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Simpson is an environmental chemist known for his pioneering research into how the cold and dark winter climate of the Arctic affects the atmospheric processing of pollution. To support this work, he has developed novel spectroscopic instruments to measure trace gases and reactive radicals. He also conducts field experiments into Arctic ozone depletion events.

Simpson is the principal investigator for the Alaskan Layered Pollution and Chemical Analysis project, or ALPACA. This groundbreaking collaboration brought together scientists, public servants and community members to investigate how air pollution behaves in Fairbanks’ winter. In letters of support, Simpson’s colleagues noted that the combination of scientific research with community outreach and education produced results with significant implications for public health and policy in urban environments across the Arctic.

Simpson joined the faculty at �� in 1997. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a mathematics minor from Swarthmore College and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Stanford University.

Katie Spellman

2024 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

Spellman is an ecologist and educator known for making science accessible, relatable and inclusive to all people. Born and raised in Fairbanks, she has devoted her career to sharing her expertise and passion for science with the people most affected by the changing climate: Indigenous communities and children.

Spellman has volunteered hundreds of hours mentoring K-12 students’ research, organizing science fairs and co-creating citizen science projects to address pressing local issues. Two example projects, Fresh Eyes on Ice and Winterberry, engage Alaska youths in researching native berry species and freshwater ice conditions to improve health and well-being, food security and safety.

Spellman received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She holds a master’s in biology and a Ph.D. in biological sciences from ��, where she did her postdoctoral fellowship in education and outreach.

2023

Dr. Amy Cooper, teaching
Dr. Stefanie Ickert-Bond, research
Mr. John George, service

Dr. Amy Cooper

2023 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

WHEREAS Dr. Amy Cooper has served �� with distinction since 2007; and, as a teacher of accounting, she receives tremendous reviews from students, who cite her creative, enthusiastic class presentations, her attention to individual students and her generous mentoring of student organizations and activities; and

WHEREAS Dr. Cooper, after earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, spent several years working at private firms; and she began teaching at �� as an adjunct instructor before joining the faculty in 2009; and she completed her doctorate in business administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in May 2023; and

WHEREAS Dr. Cooper has advised both the student accounting organization and its volunteer income tax assistance program; and she helped create an annual student seminar to promote professional etiquette; and she has led the Alaska Society of CPAs’ effort to create a leadership academy that connects students to the profession;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Amy Cooper; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the university, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Amy Cooper, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this eleventh day of May, 2023.

Dr. Stefanie Ickert-Bond

2023 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

WHEREAS Dr. Stefanie Ickert-Bond has served �� with distinction since 2006; and her prolific research has earned her an international reputation; and, as curator of the University of Alaska Museum of the North’s herbarium, she has been a global leader in the digitization of botanical data and images; and

WHEREAS Dr. Ickert-Bond earned her doctorate from Arizona State University in 2003 and conducted research and taught before joining ��’s faculty; and she has secured $2.7 million in grants to support her and her students’ research; and she has produced 89 journal papers; and

WHEREAS Dr. Ickert-Bond’s research, which integrates molecular approaches with field studies, morphology, anatomy and paleobotany, identifies evolutionary relationships and ancient migration patterns within plant groups, information that, among other benefits, is essential for the ecological studies needed for management of Alaska’s resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Stefanie Eckert-Bond; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the university, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Stefanie Ickert-Bond, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this eleventh day of May, 2023.

Mr. John George

2023 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

WHEREAS Mr. John George has served �� with distinction since 2008; and he has greatly expanded and improved the quality of the �� Community and Technical College’s fire science program, benefiting not only its students but also Fairbanks and other communities across Alaska and beyond; and

WHEREAS Mr. George has worked in fire services for 32 years; and he earned an associate degree in municipal fire protection and a bachelor’s in education from ��; and he is pursuing a master’s in security and disaster management; and

WHEREAS Mr. George, as head of the fire science program, created a system to place student firefighters at volunteer departments and significantly enhanced student recruiting, all of which alleviated severe local station staffing shortages; and he embedded essential training on mental health care, suicide prevention and cancer prevention into the fire program’s curriculum; and, among many other volunteer activities, he serves as a battalion chief at Chena-Goldstream Fire & Rescue;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr. John George; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the university, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Mr. John George, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this eleventh day of May, 2023.

2022

Dr. Margaret Darrow, teaching
Dr. Uma Bhatt, research
Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte, service

Dr. Margaret Darrow

2022 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

WHEREAS Dr. Margaret Darrow has served �� with distinction since 2008; and, as a teacher of geological engineering, she receives superlative reviews from students for leading unforgettable field trips, for her personalized attention to student needs and for her high standards for written materials; and

WHEREAS Dr. Darrow, after earning her bachelor's degree in geology at the University of Washington, spent almost a decade teaching, both as a secondary teacher in rural Alaska and as a �� graduate assistant while earning a master's in geology and a bachelor's in geological engineering; and she worked as a geotechnical engineering assistant for the State of Alaska while earning her doctorate at ��; and

WHEREAS Dr. Darrow not only has been the principal advisor for thirteen master's students but also has guided nearly two dozen undergraduate students in the conduct of high-quality research;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Margaret Darrow; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the university, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Margaret Darrow, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this twenty-ninth day of April, 2022.

Dr. Uma Bhatt

2022 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

WHEREAS Dr. Uma Bhatt has served �� with distinction since 1998; and her multifaceted investigations have made her an international leader in climate research; and

WHEREAS Dr. Bhatt earned bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering and Russian from the University of Pittsburgh and master's and doctorate degrees in atmospheric sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and at ��, during just the past five years, she has published 57 peer-reviewed papers while leading or co-leading research projects with grant funding of nearly $24 million; and

WHEREAS Dr. Bhatt's wide-ranging efforts include creation of high-resolution climate data across Alaska, development of methods to predict sea ice extent, explanation of changes in tundra vegetation and creation of methods to seasonally forecast wildland fire conditions, all of which contribute knowledge useful to scientists, resource managers and industries;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Uma Bhatt; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the university, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Uma Bhatt, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this twenty-ninth day of April, 2022.

Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte

2022 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

WHEREAS Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte has served �� with distinction since 1998 and has been a key driver in the success of the �� Institute of Arctic Biology's Toolik Field Station, now recognized as a world-class facility serving Arctic scientists; and

WHEREAS Dr. Bret-Harte earned her doctorate in biology at Stanford University; and at �� she has been a highly productive scientist and faculty member while serving as Toolik's associate science director and science co-director; and

WHEREAS Dr. Bret-Harte has contributed to every major decision about Toolik Field Station for the past two decades, during which the station attracted $50 million in U.S. and European funding; has enthusiastically conveyed the station's importance for Arctic science to policymakers, agency leaders and the public; and has served as a reviewer for multiple academic journals and science initiatives, and on The Nature Conservancy's Alaska chapter board;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the university, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this twenty-ninth day of April, 2022.

2021

2021 Usibelli award winners

Dr. Denise Thorsen, teaching
Dr. Donald “Skip” Walker, research
Dr. Eduard Zilberkant, service

Dr. Denise Thorsen

2021 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

WHEREAS Dr. Denise Thorsen has served �� with distinction since 2001; and, as a teacher of electrical engineering, she draws superb reviews from students, who appreciate her focus on real-world applications, her incorporation of peer mentoring and her informal encouragement of their individual successes; and

WHEREAS Dr. Thorsen started her career in the aerospace industry before earning her graduate degrees and spending several years as a research scientist; and, as a �� professor, she has been highly successful in using an innovative “flipped” teaching method where classes focus on problem-solving; and

WHEREAS Dr. Thorsen directs the Space Systems Engineering Program, through which she has helped students create small satellites, develop communication technologies and create ideas for future space missions; and her students in the program have gone on to great career successes;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Denise Thorsen; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Denise Thorsen, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of February 27, 2021.

Dr. Donald “Skip” Walker

2021 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

WHEREAS Dr. Donald “Skip” Walker has served �� with distinction since 1999; and his voluminous and much-cited research has made him the world's leading expert on Arctic vegetation and its role in ecosystems; and

WHEREAS Dr. Walker came to Alaska as a oil field roustabout in 1969, began his graduate research on the North Slope in 1972 and has studied Arctic vegetation ever since; and, after coming to ��, he established the Alaska Geobotany Center, which researches and maps Arctic vegetation and its relationships with geophysical processes; and

WHEREAS Dr. Walker's highly collaborative research has helped illuminate how Arctic vegetation interacts with permafrost, snow, sea ice and disturbances such as roads and petroleum development; and he has helped create international systems to monitor and map vegetation and soils across the circumpolar Arctic;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Donald “Skip” Walker; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Donald “Skip” Walker, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of February 27, 2021.

Dr. Eduard Zilberkant

2021 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

WHEREAS Dr. Eduard Zilberkant has served �� with distinction since 1997; and, through his multiple roles, he has sustained the presentation of exceptional musical performances in Fairbanks and across Alaska; and

WHEREAS Dr. Zilberkant, whose family completed a risky emigration from Russia to the United States in the 1970s, earned his doctorate in piano performance and taught at a number of universities before joining ��'s faculty; and, in addition to teaching, he not only serves as music director and conductor of the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra and Arctic Chamber Orchestra but also performs internationally; and

WHEREAS Dr. Zilberkant enthusiastically nurtures local musicians and attracts prestigious guest artists, sustaining the symphony and ensuring its status as one of the nation's top all-volunteer ensembles; and he has twice brought an international e-piano competition to Fairbanks;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Eduard Zilberkant; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. Eduard Zilberkant, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of February 27, 2021.

2020

2020 Usibelli award winners

Dr. Diane McEachern, teaching
Dr. Katrin Iken, research
Dr. Jaunelle Celaire, service

Dr. Diane McEachern

2020 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

WHEREAS Dr. Diane McEachern has served �� with distinction since 2004; and, as a teacher of rural human services, her clarity of instruction and incorporation of Indigenous perspectives earns the deep appreciation of her students; and

WHEREAS Dr. McEachern joined the Lower Kuskokwim School District in 1998 as a social worker, serving communities throughout western Alaska; and, as a �� faculty member and program head at the Kuskokwim Campus, she has taught thirty-two courses in social work and human services, led behavioral health camps for teens, and participated in two large community-based research projects; and

WHEREAS Dr. McEachern teaches groups of primarily Indigenous students who seek to help their communities; and her classes feature hands-on work, small groups, discussion of students' own experiences and the participation of Indigenous elders;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Diane McEachern; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Diane McEachern, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of February 8, 2020.

Dr. Katrin Iken

2020 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

WHEREAS Dr. Katrin Iken has served �� with distinction since 2002; and her prolific research has established her as a leading authority in the study of high-latitude benthic ecology; and

WHEREAS Dr. Iken began working in the early 1990s in both Arctic and Antarctic waters, where she has since completed almost 40 marine research expeditions; and she has published more than one hundred peer-reviewed papers and helped secure more than $18 million in funding while also guiding multiple graduate students; and

WHEREAS Dr. Iken's studies have illuminated numerous features of northern and southern marine ecosystems, particularly the food webs that support them; and she and her students have recently established the importance of terrestrial material washed into northern oceans as a food source for benthic organisms; and she leads efforts to establish long-term monitoring projects that track northern marine biodiversity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Katrin Iken; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Katrin Iken, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of February 8, 2020.

Dr. Jaunelle Celaire

2020 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

WHEREAS Dr. Jaunelle Celaire has served �� with distinction since 2003; and, as a professor of voice, her numerous activities have enriched communities across the state; and

WHEREAS Dr. Celaire, after earning her doctorate in Michigan, wholeheartedly joined the Fairbanks musical arts community; and she has presented or participated in dozens of recitals, concerts, productions and competitions not only in Fairbanks but across the globe, all while leading the Choir of the North, teaching, providing private instruction and volunteering on multiple fronts; and

WHEREAS some of Dr. Celaire's activities include organizing an annual concert by local school music teachers, adjudicating state high school competitions, directing high school honor choirs across the state, teaching opera and gospel choir at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, and leading the �� Summer Music Academy's voice and choral program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Jaunelle Celaire; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. Jaunelle Celaire, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of February 8, 2020.

2019

2019 Usibelli award winners

Mr. Charles Mason, teaching
Dr. Katey Walter Anthony, research
Dr. Michael West, service

Mr. Charles Mason

2019 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

WHEREAS Mr. Charles Mason has served �� with distinction since 1990; and his energy, expertise, enthusiasm and generosity are greatly appreciated by his students; and

WHEREAS Mr. Mason, after earning a science degree, began his career in the 1980s as an award-winning newspaper and freelance photographer locally and nationally; and, as a �� journalism and art faculty member, he led the transition from film to digital photography, created bachelor's and master's degree programs in fine art photography, and recently developed exemplary online classes; and

WHEREAS Mr. Mason's students describe him as an avid learner who constantly challenges himself; and he leads fast-paced, playful classes where he gives helpful criticism and encourages students to offer and accept the same; and he is generous with his time and expertise, while tailoring his instruction to each student's level;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Charles Mason; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Mr. Charles Mason, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of April 29, 2019.

Dr. Katey Walter Anthony

2019 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

WHEREAS Dr. Katey Walter Anthony has served �� with distinction since 2007; and her research on the climate feedback effects of carbon gases released from thawing permafrost has made her a world leader in the field; and

WHEREAS Dr. Walter Anthony, who first began studying in Russia in the early 1990s as a high school student, completed her doctorate at �� on methane emissions in Siberian thermokarst lakes, a topic that she has continued to investigate as a research faculty member at the Institute of Northern Engineering; and

WHEREAS Dr. Walter Anthony's studies of the permafrost carbon feedback to climate warming have influenced climate science worldwide; and she has had an exceptionally high success rate in funding proposals and publishing the results; and

she is an outstanding science ambassador, working locally and nationally with media, educators and government leaders;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Katey Walter Anthony; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Katey Walter Anthony, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of April 29, 2019.

Dr. Michael West

2019 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

WHEREAS Dr. Michael West has served �� with distinction since 2004; and he has used his scientific expertise to advocate in Alaska and across the nation for better responses to seismic and volcanic hazards; and

WHEREAS Dr. West, after earning his doctorate at Columbia University in 2001, became a highly productive researcher at ��, studying earthquakes and volcanoes in Alaska and other regions; and

WHEREAS Dr. West, who was named state seismologist and Alaska Earthquake Center director in 2012, has focused his recent work on service; and he promoted passage of three major congressional acts and successfully advocated policy changes to state leaders; and he prioritized public engagement through news interviews, social media, tours and other outreach; and he initiated better coordination between Alaska's earthquake responders;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Michael West; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. Michael West, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of April 29, 2019.

2018

2018 Usibelli award winners

Patty Martinez Meritt, teaching
Dr. Matthew Wooller, research
Mr. Charles N. Dexter, service

Patty Martinez Meritt

2018 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

WHEREAS Ms. Patty Martinez Meritt has served �� with distinction since 1986; and is beloved by her students for her unstinting and personalized support of their individual academic and professional goals, and for inspiring them to excellence through her own demonstration of commitment to the field of early childhood education; and

WHEREAS Ms. Meritt been instrumental in expanding the type and scope of education-related offerings at the University, including professional development projects, instructional videos, community workshops and a bachelor's degree program; and

WHEREAS Ms. Meritt has pursued new teaching avenues as technological advances became available, including developing the first correspondence and web-based classes for early childhood education, thereby expanding students' educational opportunities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Ms. Patty Martinez Meritt; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Ms. Patty Martinez Meritt, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of May 7, 2018.

Dr. Matthew Wooller

2018 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

WHEREAS Dr. Matthew Wooller has served �� with distinction since 2002; and has been an extremely productive and innovative research scientist, especially regarding isotope techniques in environmental and ecological studies, with a remarkable number of publications in peer-reviewed journals; and

WHEREAS Dr. Wooller has been extremely successful in securing important grants, including one from the National Science Foundation that now provides Alaska with a technology previously unavailable in the State; and

WHEREAS Dr. Wooller excels in teaching students modern methods and applications of stable isotope analysis; and is greatly admired by both colleagues and students for his leadership, collegiality and professionalism;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Matthew Wooller; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Matthew Wooller, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of May 7, 2018.

Mr. Charles N. Dexter

2018 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

WHEREAS Mr. Charles N. Dexter has served �� with distinction since 1985; and has used his enthusiasm and creativity to forge new programs and partnerships that have expanded the educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for countless Alaskans; and

WHEREAS Mr. Dexter was instrumental in the development of a dual high school and college enrollment program, helping to raise many thousands of dollars to help defray the cost to students; and

WHEREAS Mr. Dexter is respected in the community for his blend of business acumen and customer service focus that he employs to help businesses and nonprofit organizations achieve success and recognition; and is well-known in the Interior for his long-running newspaper columns on service and civic engagement;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Charles N. Dexter; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Mr. Charles N. Dexter, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of May 7, 2018.

2017

2017 award recipients

Sarah J. Fowell, teaching
Eugénie Susanne Euskirchen, research
Erin C. Pettit, service

Dr. Sarah J. Fowell

2017 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

WHEREAS Dr. Sarah J. Fowell has served �� with distinction since 1997; and brings creativity and richness to her classroom by skillfully employing active learning in her courses; and expects her students to think critically but does so in a way that encourages collaboration and mutual respect; and

WHEREAS Dr. Fowell, despite the challenging nature of her classes, receives consistently high ratings in student evaluations; and has also received, among several other honors, the College of Natural Science and Mathematics Outstanding Teaching Award and the Rural Student Services Dennis Demmert Appreciation and Recognition Award; and

WHEREAS Dr. Fowell's leadership includes service as Department Chair of the Department of Geosciences and as Director of the GeoFORCE program, which encourages rural Alaska high school students to pursue college degrees in the STEM fields;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Sarah J. Fowell; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Sarah J. Fowell, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of May 1, 2017.

Dr. Eugénie Susanne Euskirchen

2017 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

WHEREAS Dr. Eugénie Euskirchen has served �� with distinction since 2004; and is a highly sought-after collaborator for complex, international studies on how Arctic regions may influence global climate change; and

WHEREAS Dr. Euskirchen's expertise in modeling effects of changes in climate on Arctic and boreal terrestrial ecosystems, and how these effects on ecosystems may feed back to influence the global climate system, has put the University at the forefront of ecosystem modeling; and her field measurements of eddy covariance have made her an international leader in that area, further enhancing the University's reputation; and

WHEREAS Dr. Euskirchen has been extremely successful in publishing papers in prestigious journals and in receiving highly competitive grants; and she has mentored graduate students and postdoctoral associates in interdisciplinary climate research;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Eugénie Susanne Euskirchen; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Eugénie Susanne Euskirchen, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of May 1, 2017.

Dr. Erin C. Pettit

2017 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

WHEREAS Dr. Erin C. Pettit has served �� with distinction since 2008; and is an outstanding science researcher with a deep and abiding commitment to equity in the sciences and to mentoring the next generation of researchers; and

WHEREAS Dr. Pettit developed the highly regarded Girls on Ice program, an annual field research experience through which teenage girls learn about glaciers, glaciology and science in general, but perhaps most profoundly, learn about themselves and their potential for future intellectual pursuits; and

WHEREAS Dr. Pettit has made a difference by explaining the climate-related changes in the polar regions to the general public; and her combined talents as an excellent researcher in her own right and as an outreach expert and scientific community leader resulted in her being named a National Geographic Society Emerging Explorer;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Erin C. Pettit; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. Erin C. Pettit, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of May 1, 2017.

2016

2016 award recipients

Mary Ehrlander, teaching
David Newman, research
Laura Diane Carsten Conner, service

Dr. Mary F. Ehrlander

2016 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

WHEREAS Dr. Mary F. Ehrlander has served �� with distinction since 2001; and is an exemplary teacher whose mentorship has been instrumental in the successful completion of many students' degrees; and

WHEREAS Dr. Ehrlander's students greatly respect and appreciate her rigorous intellectual standards, expertise in both subject matter and academic protocols, and her unwavering support and judicious guidance; and

WHEREAS Dr. Ehrlander's genuine devotion to the personal and professional development of her students inspires them to emulate her through leadership, team building and effective collaboration in their own fields, to the betterment of all;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Mary F. Ehrlander; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Mary F. Ehrlander, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of December 5, 2016.

Dr. David E. Newman

2016 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

WHEREAS Dr. David E. Newman has served �� with distinction since 1998; and is a world-class physicist who has made seminal contributions to plasma physics, fusion plasmas and complex systems dynamics; and

WHEREAS Dr. Newman's exceptional work outside his primary field has far-reaching implications for a range of vital challenges, including supercomputers and global energy networks; and

WHEREAS Dr. Newman complements his exceptional research by communicating it effectively and widely, such that he was also awarded the Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award in 2015; and is internationally recognized for his leadership in research;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. David E. Newman; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. David E. Newman, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of December 5, 2016.

Dr. Laura Diane Carsten Conner

2016 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

WHEREAS Dr. Laura Diane Carsten Conner has served �� with distinction since 2007; and is a tireless proponent of the importance of learning science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics — STEAM — in all age groups, but especially among middle-school girls; and

WHEREAS Dr. Conner's positive attitude, structured and fair approach, attention to detail, emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity have made her a respected and sought-after STEAM trainer for teachers and parents; and

WHEREAS Dr. Conner has dedicated her career to engaging students in science and in bridging the gaps between K-12 and college, and between �� and the local community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Laura Diane Carsten Conner; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. Laura Diane Carsten Conner, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of December 5, 2016.

2015

2015 award recipients

David Newman, teaching
Hajo Eicken, research
Pat Holloway, service

Dr. David E. Newman

2015 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

WHEREAS Dr. David E. Newman has served �� with distinction since 1998; and has long demonstrated creativity in, enthusiasm for and dedication to student learning, earning him great respect and high regard from his students and making him a highly sought-after advisor; and

WHEREAS Dr. Newman has taught across the spectrum of the physics curriculum, from undergraduate courses for nonmajors to highly specialized graduate courses and seminars; and

WHEREAS Dr. Newman has extended his educational mission beyond the University, presenting in public forums and teaching in lifelong learning settings; and whose excellence in education led to his being named a Fellow of the American Physical Society;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. David E. Newman; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. David E. Newman, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of November 19, 2015.

Dr. Hajo Eicken

2015 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

WHEREAS Dr. Hajo Eicken has served �� with distinction since 1998, becoming an international leader in the study of sea ice and its role in the climate system; and has been instrumental in helping improve sea ice prediction and information sharing, and international coordination of research efforts; and

WHEREAS Dr. Eicken's research has expanded and embraced other pertinent and related topics, including oil in ice, sea ice hazards, impacts of sea ice change, environmental security in changing maritime environments, and synthesis of local and traditional knowledge in sea-ice research; and

WHEREAS Dr. Eicken's research, interdisciplinary approach and integration of indigenous knowledge with Western scientific practice have made him one of the most respected and sought-after sea-ice experts throughout Alaska and the world;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Hajo Eicken; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Hajo Eicken, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of November 19, 2015.

Dr. Patricia S. Holloway

2015 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

WHEREAS Dr. Patricia S. Holloway has served �� with distinction since 1984; and has devoted herself to the study of horticulture in the State of Alaska and its real and potential applications to private and professional growers; and

WHEREAS Dr. Holloway has made her research relevant to Alaska gardeners, sharing her findings and expertise on plants and horticulture with commercial producers and home gardeners alike; and has dedicated tremendous time to providing presentations and guidance to garden clubs, nascent producers and the generally curious; and

WHEREAS Dr. Holloway has been the driving force behind the University's beloved and acclaimed Georgeson Botanical Garden; and, as the first to recognize the commercial opportunities of the peony industry in Alaska, has been instrumental in helping develop the now-burgeoning field;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Patricia S. Holloway; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in public service demonstrated by Dr. Patricia S. Holloway, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of November 19, 2015.

2014

2014 award recipients

Joe Usibelli, far left, joins Chancellor Brian Rogers at right, in a photo this evening at the University of Alaska Museum of the North with the 2014 Usibelli Award Winners. �� faculty members Roger Ruess was honored for his research efforts, Elena Sparrow for her outstanding service, and Joseph Thompson for exemplary teaching.

Elena Sparrow, service
Roger Ruess, research
Joseph Thompson, teaching

Dr. Elena Sparrow

2014 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

WHEREAS Dr. Elena Sparrow has served �� with distinction since 1985; and has become an internationally recognized leader in efforts to bring science alive for primary and secondary school students and their teachers; and has creatively engaged these students and teachers through methods that give their imaginations room to explore; and

WHEREAS Dr. Sparrow, as education and outreach director at ��'s International Arctic Research Center, has created multiple bridges to local classrooms; and has been a pioneering force in creating a way for students in Alaska and worldwide to collect research-quality environmental data; and has been an exemplary volunteer at regional and state science fairs; and

WHEREAS Dr. Sparrow, a soil microbiologist, has successfully encouraged fellow scientists to share their knowledge, bringing her expertise in this field to conferences across the world;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Elena Sparrow; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in public service demonstrated by Dr. Elena Sparrow, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of May 6, 2014.

Dr. Roger Ruess

2014 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

WHEREAS Dr. Roger Ruess has served �� with distinction since 1989, becoming an international leader in ecosystem science and boreal forest ecology; and has published more than ninety papers in top academic journals, establishing one of the highest publication rates in the College of Natural Science and Mathematics; and

WHEREAS Dr. Ruess has uncovered details of the carbon and nitrogen cycles in boreal forests, especially how alder trees, which fix nitrogen in the soil with the aid of bacteria and fungi, can both affect and adapt to diverse environments; and has recently extended his research to investigate how insect outbreaks could disrupt the nitrogen supply in salmon streams; and

WHEREAS Dr. Ruess leads the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research program, where he is principal investigator in a multidisciplinary effort to study and model the effects of climate change and how they could affect Alaska's rural communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Roger Ruess; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Roger Ruess, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of May 6, 2014.

Dr. Joseph C. Thompson

2014 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

WHEREAS Dr. Joseph C. Thompson has served �� with distinction since 1999; and has proved himself an inspiring teacher who applies his own creative methods and research materials to electrify his philosophy and humanities courses; and

WHEREAS Dr. Thompson has transformed courses into stimulating, engaging explorations lauded by students; and has developed concise methods of presenting material, with high but fair expectations for students; and has researched his subject matter across the globe, collecting a library of material that he weaves into his constantly updated lectures; and

WHEREAS Dr. Thompson has taught classes and lectured across many disciplines; has shared generously his teaching methods; and has not only advised the student Socratic Society but also participated in its events as an orator and debater;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty, and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Joseph C. Thompson; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Joseph C. Thompson, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of May 6, 2014.

2013

2013 award recipients

Chancellor Brian Rogers, Joe Usibelli, Jr., Jonathan Rosenberg, Catherine Cahill, Jeffrey Freymueller and Provost Susan Henrichs. �� photo by JR Ancheta.

Catherine Cahill, service
Jeffrey Freymueller, research
Jonathan Rosenberg, teaching

2012

2012 award recipients

The 2012 Emil Usibelli Award winners are (left to right) Kenji Yoshikawa for Distinguished Service, Debendra Das for Distinguished Teaching and Sergei Avdonin for Distinguished Research.

Dr. Debendra K. Das, teaching
Dr. Sergei Avdonin, research
Dr. Kenji Yoshikawa, service

Teaching

Dr. Debendra K. Das

WHEREAS Dr. Debendra K. Das has served �� with distinction since 1984. His teaching contributions to the University and to engineering students in particular stand out among his peers; and

WHEREAS Dr. Das' contributions in the area of student mentoring have been extraordinary. He has included undergraduate and graduate students in his research and has an impressive record of publishing work with his students. His effectiveness as an advisor has been recognized with awards from the University and from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; and

WHEREAS in his twenty-eight years of service to ��, Dr. Das has taught more than one hundred classes, and has developed new courses to meet the needs of both students and industry. He has received exceptionally high scores in his student evaluations at both the undergraduate and the graduate level;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Debendra K. Das; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Debendra K. Das, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of May 8, 2012.

Research

Dr. Sergei Avdonin

WHEREAS Dr. Sergei Avdonin has served �� with distinction since 2001. His mathematical research activity with the University has been exceptional; and

WHEREAS Dr. Avdonin has built a long and distinguished career in many different research areas in mathematics. His international reputation has enhanced ��'s stature in mathematics and helped the Department of Mathematics and Statistics focus more clearly on its research mission. His extensive publication record is highly impressive; and

WHEREAS Dr. Avdonin's current research is on mathematical studies for glaciology. He has developed new methods that offer a major step towards predictive glacier models, which are important in the study of glacier-climate interaction, dating of ice cores, and assessment of natural hazards. He has collaborated with mathematicians, scientists and engineers around the world in developing his methods;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Sergei Avdonin; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Sergei Avdonin, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of May 8, 2012.

Service

Dr. Kenji Yoshikawa

WHEREAS Dr. Kenji Yoshikawa has served �� with distinction since 1999. He has launched an extraordinary educational outreach effort directed towards teachers and students in rural Alaska, Canada, Russia and other countries; and

WHEREAS Dr. Yoshikawa has established a network of one hundred sixty-five K - 12 schools to characterize and monitor the state of permafrost across the circumpolar North, an effort that introduces the joy of scientific discovery to children and transforms them into engaged scientists; and

WHEREAS Dr. Yoshikawa has been tireless and innovative in his efforts, whether traveling by snow machine to villages in Alaska, or creating a superhero of the permafrost known as "Tunnel Man";

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Kenji Yoshikawa; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. Kenji Yoshikawa, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of May 8, 2012.

2011

2011 award recipients

The 2011 Usibelli award winners, from left to right, Roger Hansen, Vladimir Romanovsky & Gregory Owens.

Teaching

Mr. Gregory J. Owens

WHEREAS Mr. Gregory J. Owens has served �� with distinction since 1987; and has dedicated his career to working with students from traditionally underrepresented populations; and who inspires in many of his students passionate testimonials as to his effectiveness as a teacher and mentor; and

WHEREAS Mr. Owens is a superb and highly innovative developmental mathematics teacher who continuously seeks to improve the quality of his students' experience by analyzing student feedback, course content and materials, and delivery methodologies, and by incorporating in his classes best practices and technologies that enhance student learning; and

WHEREAS Mr. Owens' reach in mathematics education is unbounded by the traditional nine-month academic year, and as a mathematics instructor and academic coordinator, has been an integral part of the Rural Alaska Honors Institute for more than twenty-five years;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Gregory J. Owens; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Mr. Gregory J. Owens, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of May 2, 2011.

Research

Dr. Vladimir E. Romanovsky

WHEREAS Dr. Vladimir E. Romanovsky has served �� with distinction since 1998; and has developed an internationally recognized program through which he is widely known as one of the world's leaders in permafrost research; and

WHEREAS Dr. Romanovsky's monitoring of the condition of permafrost provides one of the primary records of change at high latitudes, and is critical to understanding the pattern of past change and in making predictions for the future in an era of measurable climate change; and

WHEREAS Dr. Romanovsky and his research group's work stimulates interdisciplinary activities with University faculty members in biology and engineering, spurring development of innovative ideas that incorporate coupled biological and geophysical processes;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Vladimir E. Romanovsky; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Vladimir E. Romanovsky, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of May 2, 2011.

Service

Dr. Roger A. Hansen

WHEREAS Dr. Roger A. Hansen has served �� with distinction since 1994; and whose knowledge and willingness to communicate clearly makes him adept at translating science about earthquakes and tsunamis into terms the general public can understand and use; and

WHEREAS Dr. Hansen, as Director of the Alaska Earthquake Information Center, has provided invaluable leadership in maintaining a dedicated staff and a network of seismometers throughout the State to monitor and evaluate earthquakes; and has been an effective advocate for accurate modeling so Alaska's coastal citizens can be better prepared for tsunamis; and

WHEREAS Dr. Hansen has provided his expertise in seismology to a range of regional and national government agencies as well as through participation in many public outreach programs and presentations throughout the State;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Roger A. Hansen; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. Roger A. Hansen, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of May 2, 2011.

2010

2010 award recipients

Teaching

Dr. Richard D. Boone

WHEREAS Dr. Richard D. Boone has served �� with distinction since 1995; and is an innovative teacher who successfully implements pedagogical techniques he has acquired through external training and through his own self-assessment and impetus; and

WHEREAS Dr. Boone's dedication to student success and his energetic use of active-learning techniques in the classroom result in consistently outstanding assessment scores from his students; and devotes equal enthusiasm to teaching undergraduates, graduates and lifelong learners; and

WHEREAS Dr. Boone is developing the abilities of others to teach science successfully through the establishment of a graduate course in teaching science at the University; and is seeking to expand excellence in science education throughout Alaska;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Richard D. Boone; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Richard D. Boone, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of May 3, 2010.

Research

Dr. Thomas J. Weingartner

WHEREAS Dr. Thomas J. Weingartner has served �� with distinction since 1991; and is widely known and highly respected for the quality of his research and for his subsequent expertise in Alaska oceanography; and

WHEREAS Dr. Weingartner brings great distinction to the University for his work on matters of great import to Alaskans, especially those of coastal communities; and whose widely cited research informs a range of topics such as fisheries and climate change; and

WHEREAS Dr. Weingartner is sought by government agencies and private enterprise for assistance in understanding the characteristics of Alaska's oceans; and is a gracious and supportive mentor to University students interested in exploring scientific research careers of their own;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Thomas J. Weingartner; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Thomas J. Weingartner, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of May 3, 2010.

Service

Dr. Kara L. Nance

WHEREAS Dr. Kara L. Nance has served �� with distinction since 1993; and has throughout her career served her students, the University, the Fairbanks community and the public in general with innovation and spirit; and

WHEREAS Dr. Nance has studied, devised and promoted improvements in the teaching of science and technology at all levels of education; and has been especially concerned with the engagement of young, underrepresented students in those fields; and

WHEREAS Dr. Nance has demonstrated tremendous leadership in establishing research and training programs in computer security at the University, the effects of which reach beyond Fairbanks to communities and educational institutions across the Nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Kara L. Nance; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. Kara L. Nance, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of May 3, 2010.

2009

2009 award recipients

Teaching

Photo by Todd Paris, �� Marketing and Communications

Dr. John D. Fox Jr.

WHEREAS Dr. John D. Fox Jr. has served �� with distinction since 1973; and has taught an astonishing range of disciplines, from physical and computer sciences and social sciences to applied sciences, all with a view to managing natural resources wisely for human benefit through a rational, science- and ethics-based approach; and

WHEREAS Dr. Fox has led his students by his own example of being a true scholar, investigating many branches of knowledge even beyond his own field; and whose breadth of learning brings a deeper sense of meaning and purpose to all his teaching; and

WHEREAS Dr. Fox has extended his teaching beyond the classroom, using his years of scholarship to share with the general public clear, reliable information about forestry and resources management;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. John D. Fox Jr.; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. John D. Fox Jr., bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of May 8, 2009.

Research

Photo by Todd Paris, �� Marketing and Communications

Dr. John E. Walsh

WHEREAS Dr. John E. Walsh has served �� with distinction since 2001; and is internationally respected and frequently cited as one of the world's foremost authorities on arctic climate dynamics and climate change; and

WHEREAS Dr. Walsh has been a prolific researcher and writer, and a highly respected scientific leader whose broad vision has made him invaluable on many national and international committees evaluating the physical and social dimensions of climate change; and

WHEREAS Dr. Walsh's collaborative instinct and scientific acumen have helped establish collaborative ventures among researchers at the University and around the world; and whose outstanding efforts in research and in educating the public about scientific findings has inspired and promoted scientific excellence in many quarters;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. John E. Walsh; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. John E. Walsh, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of May 8, 2009.

Service

Cooperative Extension Service photo by Jeff Fay

Mr. Richard Seifert

WHEREAS Mr. Richard Seifert has served �� with distinction since 1982; and has with generosity of spirit and intellect fulfilled the engagement mission of the University through his work at the Cooperative Extension Service; and

WHEREAS Mr. Seifert has provided much-needed practical, research-based information on safe, energy-efficient housing to thousands of people in communities in Alaska and Canada, enabling them to make informed decisions about buying, building or retrofitting homes in the North; and

WHEREAS Mr. Seifert has worked with citizens and organizations throughout the State to help them improve the quality of life for individuals and entire communities, with a focus on environmental sustainability and economic viability;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Richard Seifert; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Mr. Richard Seifert, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of May 8, 2009.

The above images were taken during the 2009 Usibelli Awards ceremony in ��'s Wood Center May 8.

Photos by Todd Paris, �� Marketing and Communications unless otherwise noted.

2008

2008 award recipients

Teaching

Dr. Marsha Sousa

Whereas Dr. Marsha Sousa has served �� with distinction since 1989; and has been a role model for untold numbers of students by virtue of her dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism; and

WHEREAS Dr. Sousa has developed a plethora of teaching strategies that take into account the varied needs, backgrounds and learning styles of the diverse students who enter her classroom; and is known for her deep respect and care for each student as an individual; and

WHEREAS Dr. Sousa is greatly admired by her students both for the depth of her knowledge and for her creative and engaging presentations; and is credited by many for inspiring them to seek successful and fulfilling careers of their own;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Marsha Sousa; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Marsha Sousa, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of May 5, 2008.

Research

Dr. Gerald V. Mohatt

WHEREAS Dr. Gerald V. Mohatt has served �� with distinction since 1983; and has been instrumental in establishing an innovative, multidisciplinary program of biomedical health research that addresses issues in Alaska Native health; and

WHEREAS Dr. Mohatt has secured significant grants for the development and continuation of these vital studies; and has been a valued colleague and mentor to other researchers in the program, thereby expanding the breadth and quality of its scope and findings; and

WHEREAS Dr. Mohatt has won the respect of many Alaska Natives for the sensitivity he displays in addressing the particular social and cultural needs and expectations of rural and Alaska Native communities; and for his role in ensuring their close participation in planning, executing and analyzing the studies;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Gerald V. Mohatt; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. Gerald V. Mohatt, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of May 5, 2008.

Service

Dr. John J. Kelley

WHEREAS Dr. John J. Kelley has served �� with distinction since 1969; and has selflessly devoted his time, intellect and energy in service to science, students and the people of Alaska; and

WHEREAS Dr. Kelley has provided invaluable leadership in helping guide North Slope Borough policy and decision makers through technical and scientific material; and has consistently demonstrated great sensitivity and respect for the culture and needs of the North Slope's Inupiaq communities; and

WHEREAS Dr. Kelley has given further of himself through an astonishing array of programs at many levels, including student academic development, University committees and international scientific organizations;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. John J. Kelley; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. John J. Kelley, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of May 5, 2008.

2007

2007 award recipients

Teaching

Dr. Yelena Matusevich

WHEREAS Dr. Yelena Matusevich has served �� with distinction since 1990; and has been the driving force behind the revitalization and subsequent growth of the University's French language program; and

WHEREAS Dr. Matusevich has created and maintained a classroom environment wherein she uncovers and promotes the development of students' talents and abilities; and encourages in them a spirit of critical inquiry and exploration; and

WHEREAS Dr. Matusevich has gone beyond the traditional confines of the classroom to incorporate outside influences and learning opportunities for students and community members alike, through her participation in and development of language and cultural activities with local native French speakers, thereby strengthening the ties between the University and the community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Yelena Matusevich; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Yelena Matusevich, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of May 7, 2007.

Research

Dr. A. David McGuire

WHEREAS Dr. A. David McGuire has served �� with distinction since 1995; and has brought prestige to the University through research that has improved understanding of the role of terrestrial biological processes in global climate systems, particularly as they relate to high latitudes; and

WHEREAS Dr. McGuire has maintained a vigorous research program that actively seeks the participation of undergraduate and graduate students, availing students of the opportunity to work on innovative research as part of their educational development; and

WHEREAS Dr. McGuire has won international acclaim for his prolific and wide-ranging research; and has been awarded numerous grants, awards and honors; and has established a body of work that will continue to influence the science of global warming for generations to come;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that �� takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. A. David McGuire; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. A. David McGuire, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of May 7, 2007.

Service

Dr. Shirish L. Patil

WHEREAS Dr. Shirish L. Patil has served �� with distinction since 1983; and has distinguished himself as a volunteer of seemingly limitless energy and enthusiasm; and

WHEREAS Dr. Patil has contributed many hours in service to the University at all levels, in positions as diverse as faculty advisor, Faculty Senate member and department leadership roles; and has represented the University with great aplomb through his work with dozens of local, national and international organizations, committees and boards; and

WHEREAS Dr. Patil has greatly enhanced the University's efforts to recruit a talented and diverse student body through the development of a sister-city relationship with Pune, India, thereby encouraging the enrollment of students from that region at the University;

Dr. Kathleen Butler-Hopkins

Professor Kathleen Butler-Hopkins exemplifies the spirit of service to the university and the community through her selfless contributions of time, talent and expertise to more than a dozen music groups and organizations throughout Alaska. She has played a vital role in the musical development of many Alaska children and young people by volunteering as a teacher and mentor to many students who have appeared and performed at prestigious regional, national and international competitions and concerts. Butler-Hopkins' efforts to communicate her passion for music have returned ten-fold in the inspired performances of those students and ensembles with whom she has been associated, enhancing the prestige of the university and the acclaim for the Department of Music.

2002

2002 award recipients

1992 award recipients

Teaching

Dr. Gary Gislason

Dr. Gislason's teaching and research in the area of mathematical sciences has inspired University of Alaska Fairbanks students for twenty-two years, his innovative teaching style has given his students an expanded appreciation of the potential of mathematics in our changing world, and his mentoring guided the University's first two Doctor of Philosophy students in mathematical sciences. In recognizing the importance of providing students far from Fairbanks with the opportunity to learn about the concepts and applications of mathematics, Dr. Gislason has attracted funding for a grant for distance education equipment, has taught mathematics in Barrow at the Arctic Sivunmun Ilisagvik College, and continues to offer distance education courses through the University.

Research

Dr. Keith Van Cleve

Dr. Van Cleve's research of the Taiga forests of interior Alaska has resulted in a better understanding of the taiga forest ecosystem, contributing to the establishment and success of the Long Term Ecological Research program site located at the Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest, considered one of the premier programs in ecosystem research in the United States. Dr. Van Cleve has earned the respect of his colleagues, friends and students, is recognized as a distinguished scientist nationally and internationally in the field of forest soils and forest ecology, and has demonstrated his ability to conduct world class research while mentoring and strengthening the abilities and talents of younger scientists.

Service

Mr. Wayne Vandre

Mr. Vandre has benefited thousands of Alaskans with the creation of the Alaska Master Gardener Program of the Cooperative Extension Service in 1978, which is taught in most major communities, has been adapted into a correspondence course, has trained hundreds of volunteer educators and provides important horticultural information to tens of thousands of residents. By establishing the Integrated Pest Management and Pest Scout Program, Mr. Vandre has helped save thousands of dollars, had a significant impact on the quality of life in Alaska and reduced the dependence and impact of pesticides on the environment; this program reaches thousands of growers, landowners and homeowners each year with vital information on pests and pest management.

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Brandon Boylan

2024 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

William R. Simpson

2024 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Katie Spellman

2024 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Amy Cooper

2023 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. Stefanie Ickert-Bond

2023 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Mr. John George

2023 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Margaret Darrow

2022 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. Uma Bhatt

2022 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte

2022 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

2021 Usibelli award winners

Dr. Denise Thorsen

2021 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. Donald “Skip” Walker

2021 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Dr. Eduard Zilberkant

2021 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

2020 Usibelli award winners

Dr. Diane McEachern

2020 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. Katrin Iken

2020 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Dr. Jaunelle Celaire

2020 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

2019 Usibelli award winners

Mr. Charles Mason

2019 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. Katey Walter Anthony

2019 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Dr. Michael West

2019 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

2018 Usibelli award winners

Patty Martinez Meritt

2018 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. Matthew Wooller

2018 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Mr. Charles N. Dexter

2018 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

2017 award recipients

Dr. Sarah J. Fowell

2017 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. Eugénie Susanne Euskirchen

2017 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Dr. Erin C. Pettit

2017 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

2016 award recipients

Dr. Mary F. Ehrlander

2016 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. David E. Newman

2016 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Dr. Laura Diane Carsten Conner

2016 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

2015 award recipients

Dr. David E. Newman

2015 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. Hajo Eicken

2015 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Dr. Patricia S. Holloway

2015 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

2014 award recipients

Dr. Elena Sparrow

2014 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Roger Ruess

2014 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award

Dr. Joseph C. Thompson

2014 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award

2013 award recipients

Dr. Catherine Cahill

2013 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Jeffrey Freymueller

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