Research News. Research Spans Many Dimensions. Finding Spectacular Novae at the NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory. Vol. 5 No.1.

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1 Research News Vol. 5 No.1 Fall 2005 Finding Spectacular Novae at the NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory Dr. Travis Rector, an assistant professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department, has been working with UAA students on a long-term research project using the National Science Foundation s 0.9-meter telescope at Kitt Peak National Ob- servatory (near Tucson, AZ). The goal of the project is to find novae. Novae are stars that suddenly flare in brightness to a millionfold times their normal brightness. The sudden brightening makes the star visible even in a distant galaxy. Novae are important because the explosions throw heavy elements (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and silicon) into space, enriching the clouds of gas from which new stars can form Earth-like planets. Dr. Douglas Causey Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies Research Spans Many Dimensions The Andromeda Galaxy Dr. Rector in front of the NSF telescope UAA researchers are expanding the frontiers of knowledge at scales ranging from the deep expanses of space to the sub-cellular domain of genes and molecules. Some research takes place in campus laboratories; some at national facilities shared by many institutions and researchers; some in remote areas of Alaska. There are literally no boundaries when it comes to exploration and discovery.

2 Finding Spectacular Novae at the NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory Research Spans Many Dimensions (Continued) (continued) The long-term goal of the project is to determine the frequency and energetics of novae in a galaxy, which will determine the quantity of elements returned to the galaxy and therefore the likelihood of lifehabitable planets. The Andromeda Galaxy is a fellow galaxy much like our own, offering insight into the search for extraterrestrial life within our galaxy. Dr. Rector and his students use the Kitt Peak telescope once a month from May to January to obtain new images for UAA students to search. During the academic year, observations are completed by astronomer Richard Cool, a collaborator at the University of Arizona. UAA students participate in the observations via a videoconferencing link from UAA to the telescope control room. Dr. Travis Rector Students present a target list for observations, after which the data are downloaded via the Internet. During the summers of 2004 and 2005, Dr. Rector brought UAA students to run the telescope themselves. This edition of Research News highlights a few of the many active projects by UAA staff and faculty. These creative activities encompass very applied efforts in training and commercial enterprise, as well as basic research investigations aimed at the fundamental patterns and processes of nature. In all, student participation is a key part of these projects and the UAA experience. Researchers here realize that teaching, learning, and understanding are concurrent at the edge of knowledge. Students at UAA in the LSIS A202 lab are searching the obtained images of the Andromeda Galaxy for novae. Students measure the location of the nova in the galaxy, its peak brightness, and how quickly it fades with a plot known as a light curve. As new novae are discovered they are rapidly reported to the International Astronomical Union so that other astronomers may study them before they fade from view. So far UAA students have found over 175 novae, more than any other single search of this galaxy ever completed! Dr. Rector and UAA student Kevin Sheridan For more imformation, please contact Dr. Rector at or aftar@ uaa.alaska.edu. Page 2 ~ Office of Sponsored Programs

3 Finding Links Between Environmental Contaminates and Human Health Alaska INBRE (IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence) aims to involve students in exciting research with the goal of encouraging them to go on to graduate or professional school. Dr. Carol Jones is certainly doing her part by getting students interested in how Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) affect human health. Carol is an Assistant Professor of Toxicogenomics in the Biological Sciences Department. Her experimental work observes changes in gene expression with exposure to contaminants. Our goal is to be able to tell people more, especially Alaskans, about how these compounds impact their health and the health of wildlife species we depend on. With more information, we can improve strategies to reduce the toxic effects of these compounds. Dr. Carol Jones or Page 3 ~ Office of Sponsored Programs Dr. Carol Jones lab in molecular toxicology is part of the INBRE program and INBRE helped fund lab equipment needed for her experiments. Carol and her students look at the relationship between toxicity of environmental contaminants and gene expression at the cellular level to better define the toxicity and health risks of these compounds. Her lab cultures a variety of different cell types. Potentially with human cells, if we find something interesting, we might be able to go out into the population and see if these compounds have the same type of effect. Although her focus is human health, the findings may also apply to seals, fish and birds that have similar cellular mechanisms for dealing with POPs. Some of those working with Dr. Jones include Dr. Kwang Baek, postdoctoral researcher, and Enola Schaff, master s student, who are looking at how plasma membrane proteins can function to regulate toxicity of environmental contaminants like PCBs. Using specialized cell lines developed in Dr. Jones s lab, they characterize how protein levels and distribution in the cell impact contaminant effects. These studies will help understand more about the longterm toxicity of these compounds and identify ways to better protect people and wildlife. Ileana Bembenek, doctoral student, is examining how contaminants impact genes involved in breast cancer. Ileana is supported by an INBRE graduate fellowship. She is particularly interested in contaminants and their connection to breast cancer in Alaska Natives. It s a matter of chronic exposure (to contaminants). What we have right now is what happens over 24-hours and we re close to having answers for that question. Then we ll look at different concentrations and different time exposures. Because we re dealing with persistent organic pollutants, the ultimate question is what the effect is when these exposures persist. UAA graduate and current lab technician, Carmen Hanson, works on analyses of gene expression. Carmen often helps undergraduate researchers like Reem Sheikh examine how contaminants alter gene expression that may contribute to increased asthma and allergy in children. Kristi DeHeus Introducing Kristi DeHeus to OSP Kristi DeHeus joined us on October 10 as UAA s first Pre-Award Administrator in the Office of Sponsored Programs. Kristi comes to us after five years at UAF, where she worked in the Anthropology Department, the Institute of Arctic Biology, and the last two years at UAF s Office of Sponsored Programs. She has extensive experience with proposals to Federal and State agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the US Department of Education. Kristi brings to UAA her experience in proposal preparation and compliance with University, State, and Federal regulations, and is familiar with electronic research submission systems used by many agencies. Her goal is to make the proposal process as effortless (and eventually paperless) as possible for researchers, and to serve as a resource for training and assistance in obtaining funds for research. She is currently working to complete training as a Certified Research Administrator. She is happy to serve the research community here, and we are very pleased to welcome her to UAA and Anchorage.

4 UAA s Development Program for the Russian Province of Chukotka Vic Fischer, the program director, has a lifelong connection with Russia and began developing contacts with Siberia and the Russian Far East in the 1970 s when he was ISER s director. The program manager, Andrew Crow, has worked in the Russian Far East for more than fifteen years, first as an ISER research assistant and then as part of the American Russian Center s team. Andrew Crow Judi Merry Alaska s relationship with Chukotka goes back centuries, but was revived at the end of the cold war. The Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) played a role in the reopening of relations with Chukotka in While ISER maintained its contacts with researchers and Native leaders in Chukotka, its involvement in projects there faded as the local government began to isolate the province and as the American Russian Center took the lead in UAA s work in the Russian Far East. This all changed in 1999 when Chukotka elected Roman Abramovich. At the urging of Alaska and Chukotka Native leaders, Mr. Abramovich was invited to come to Alaska. During his visit he expressed an interest in applying some of the lessons of Alaska s economic development to help Chukotka adjust to life in a market economy. This was the seed for the Alaska Chukotka Development Program. The Alaska Chukotka Development Program (ACDP) began in 2001 Victor Fischer Alan Tenenbaum with a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program s goal is to improve cooperation between Alaska and the Russian province of Chukotka located across the Bering Strait from Nome and Kotzebue. The ACDP incorporates a broad range of civil society and economic development and humanitarian aid projects as it attempts to use both Alaska s experience and the knowledge gathered by the work of the American Russian Center to create a model to assist the Russian North adapt to a new economy. The ACDP program has a staff of four working in ISER. They coordinate all of the activities, ensure that the subcontractors meet the accounting requirements for US government contracts, and implement small specialized projects. In its four years of work, the ACDP has had some notable successes. It supported the Chukotka Red Cross expand its niche for non-governmental organizations in Chukotka. The ACDP has also worked extensively with independent Native groups. These groups advocate for greater involvement of Native people in the issues that affect their daily lives. These programs have already attracted the attention of Native groups working in other parts of the Russian North. The next phase of the ACDP will be to encourage the replication of Chukotka s successes and to help the program s Russian-based subcontractors develop contacts and skills needed to continue working after USAID funding is no longer available. For more information about this program, contact Andrew Crow at or anacc@uaa.alaska.edu. Reindeer Camp Page 4 ~ Office of Sponsored Programs

5 OTC Working for the Future of Alaska s Living Marine Resources The North Pacific Fisheries Observer Training Center (OTC) opened its doors in 1991 in the Community and Technical College to train Fisheries Observers how to collect biological data onboard commercial fishing vessels in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. Fisheries Observers are privately contracted biologists and technicians hired to collect biological data on fishing vessels and at fish processing plants throughout Alaska. They are also responsible for tracking catch rates, marine mammal and Observer Eduardo Devesa-Laux Historical Development: In response to foreign exploitation of marine resources off the U.S., Congress passed the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of The primary purpose of the Act was to Americanize the fisheries going on within 200 miles off of any U.S. coastline. One very effective tool used by fishery managers was the Fisheries Observer. This independent and unbiased biologist collects data needed for management. Initially State and Federal agencies trained all of the observers needed, but due to rapid development of fisheries they were unable to keep up with the training. Funding: The funding for the OTC continues to be a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Sea Grant College Program. In 2005, funding for the OTC was $752,400. Training and Other Activities: OTC is now a full service training center providing curriculum development, training publications and instructional video production for the State and Federal programs served. The OTC trains an average of 500 observers annually. Amy Cox (OTC graduate) seabird sightings and interactions, regulatory compliance, and other special research projects as assigned. The data collected is utilized by State and Federal agencies responsible for the management of Alaska s living marine resources. OTC staff are currently working with the Anchorage Imaginarium Science Discovery Center on developing a new fisheries unit for young people. OTC also maintains an extensive collection of frozen and preserved fish, shellfish, birds and coral. These collections are available for use by other university programs and by the public. The OTC provides training opportunities to UA graduates with degrees in fisheries, biology and natural science. Many current managers of Alaska s fisheries originally trained to be Fisheries Observers at the OTC. For more information, please contact Peter Risse at anpgr@uaa. alaska.edu or Page 5 ~ Office of Sponsored Programs

6 What plants are growing and where in Kenai Fjords National Park? Alaska Natural Heritage Program (AKNHP) staff and students (including National Park Service personnel) have been on the ground in Kenai Fjords for the last two summers answering this question. AKNHP received grants from the National Park Service to describe the plant communities, landcover types and ecological systems occurring in Kenai Fjords. The end products of this project will be a vegetation classification system and a GIS-based map. The vegetation classification system is hierarchical. Ecological systems are defined by the dominant physiographic feature or ecological process operating in the system. Plant communities list the species typically growing together and are named for the most abundant species. These plant communities are statistically generated from species information collected at over 400 sample sites located from the coastal beach to alpine summit. Anna Jensen AKNHP Field Research Assistant Tina Boucher AKNHP ecologist Using a combination of aerial photographs and field data, the extent of each ecological system and landcover type in the Park is mapped and digitized. The final GIS-based map and supporting descriptions will provide baseline vegetation information that will allow monitoring of ecosystem condition, wildlife habitat, evaluation and disturbance modeling in the park and analogous systems. The data gathered for this project is also being used by Lindsey Flagstad, a graduate student in UAA s Biological Sciences Department for her master s degree work. The rapid recession of several of the park s glaciers makes Kenai Fjords an ideal area to study the way both plant and soil communities are built on recently deglaciated land. AKNHP is part of NatureServe, and data are linked to similar programs in all 50 states, most Canadian provinces, and many Latin American countries. For more information call Keith Boggs at or see Dr. Page Spenser Ecologist for National Park Service Lindsey Flagstad Graduate Student Page 6 ~ Office of Sponsored Programs

7 Alaska Center for Supply Chain Integration The Alaska Center for Supply Chain Integration (ACSCI), established by the UA Board of Regents in 2004, is helping the Department of Defense (DoD) implement passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) within the DoD supply chain, from factory to the troops. The goal is for all the military services, Defense agencies and supporting commercial enterprises to achieve greater visibility of shipments and improved in-check and receipt processing so that confidence, effectiveness and reliability increase across the supply chain. Professor Elisha Bear Baker, Logistics Department and director of ACSCI, recently received an award from Chenega Technology Service Corporation for $4.77 million. The award is part of UA s federal initiative process with Senator Stevens support. This award will provide the initial tools, technologies and concepts to support research and prototypical supply chain solutions for the Department of Defense. The Professor Elisha (Bear) Baker project includes the development and delivery of training to DoD operations personnel and DoD small vendor businesses. The Alaska program is an initial implementation in a controlled environment of passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for military sustainment goods, such as Meals Ready to Eat, clothing, nuts-and-bolts kinds of items, according to Professor Baker. The program focuses on the initial implementation of passive RFID technology, a data system of tags, readers and information and business systems, that will improve Defense supply chain manager s ability to see into their end-toend distribution pipeline and track cargo from origin to destination. An RFID system includes: a transponder, referred to as a tag; a tag reader, known as an interrogator, which reads the tag using a radio signal; data processing equipment, and a method of communication between the reader and the computer. The reader sends a signal to the tag, which prompts the tag to respond with information about the container or item to which it is attached. The information is forwarded to central data processing equipment, which can then be used to get detailed information about the container or item, such as the shipping date, current location or the date received. The ACSCI is partnered with numerous local logistics and information companies to deliver the project and insure that Alaska companies benefit from the results of the project. Many UAA students and faculty have a unique opportunity to participate in a real world project working as team members with several of the ACSCI partners. The ACSCI will become a leader in addressing the challenging logistics issues of the Department of Defense, both within Alaska and on a global scale. For more information, contact Professor Baker at or aferb1@ cbpp.uaa.alaska.edu. Page 7 ~ Office of Sponsored Programs

8 Office of Sponsored Programs Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies Office of Academic Affairs Suite 227, Admin Building ~ fax Dr. Douglas Causey Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies ~ dcausey@uaa.alaska.edu Joanne Thordarson Assistant to the Vice Provost/Research Compliance ~ anjkt@uaa.alaska.edu Elisa Mattison, Graduate Studies ~ emattison@uaa.alaska.edu Susan Harper, Manager of OSP ~ sharper@uaa.alaska.edu Kristi DeHeus, Pre-Award Administrator ~ k.deheus@uaa.alaska.edu Website: Media Contact: Megan Olson, Photography and Graphic Design Alejandro IV Barragan Editor~Joanne Thordarson Page 8 ~ Office of Sponsored Programs UAA is an EO/AA employer and learning institution