Arctic Visiting Speakers Series | 2009 Visiting Speaker Tours
Peter Irniq constructing an Inuksuk or a "likeness of a person" during an open day at the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology.
Two girls constructed their own Inuksuks in one of the workshops Mr. Irniq taught at the museum.
Listed below are completed tours from the year 2009. The most recently completed are at the top.
If you have any questions regarding these tours, please contact avs@arcus.org.
| Arctic Visiting Speakers Tours 2009 | |
| Dates: 23–25 November 2009 | |
Host: Host Institution: |
Visiting Speaker: Presentations: Zarnke received his Ph.D. in Veterinary Science and Wildlife Ecology in 1978 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focused on latent viruses in snowshoe hares. He also received his M.Sc. from the same university. Through the Wildlife Society, Zarnke became a Certified Wildlife Biologist in 1981. He is a member of the Wildlife Disease Association and a member of the Speakers' Bureau for the Alaska Trapper's Association. Read Randy's Account of his Tour Randy's Account of his TourOn Monday November 23, I met with the local Boy Scout troop. We watched the ATA video presentation entitled "Sharing Alaska's Trails." Afterwards, we worked together to learn how the various traps & snares operate. The Scouts were very interested & enthusiastic. I was impressed with the manner in which the troop was managed. The Scouts were given just the right balance of guidance and encouragement to develop their own individuality. Later that evening, I recorded an oral history interview with Ed Bilderback. Mr. Bilderback is a revered member of the Cordova community. He has extensive experience hunting, fishing & trapping throughout coastal Alaska. During the interview, he shared many of those experiences. I had attempted to meet with Mr. Bilderback during a previous visit to Cordova. However, he was too busy enjoying outdoor activities to slow down long enough for an interview. The opportunity to record an interview with him on this trip was much appreciated. On Tuesday November 24, I met with the local hunter safety class. This class consisted of approximately 20 children in the middle elementary grades (and half that many adult mentors). The primary instructor suggested that I discuss a parasite commonly found in moose meat. The amount of time available for the presentation was short. However, given the age of the participants, that was probably a good thing. Once again, the students were eager to learn. They asked many good questions. Afterwards, several of the students came up to thank me for the presentation. I distributed copies of a publication entitled "A Field Guide to Alaska's Wildlife Diseases & Parasites" which is produced by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. Later that evening, I spoke to a community gathering on the topic of sharing Alaska's trails. Approximately 25 people attended. There have been a few recent instances of dogs getting caught in traps near town. Thus, I was warned that there might be audience members who expressed anti-trapping sentiments. That situation never developed. Instead, we all gathered to learn the operation of traps & snares. Several members of the audience offered suggestions to reduce potential conflicts between local trappers and other trail users. In addition, the discussion reached out to other topics which were only peripherally related to the main topic, such as how local school children could prepare to pursue a scientific career. I was able to use examples of community members who have gone on to successful careers. On Wednesday November 25, we met with the head of the local historical society, who is also the head librarian. We discussed many issues, including sources for local historical film and a project to share information regarding the fox farming which occurred in Prince William Sound during the first half of the 1900s. This was really a mutually beneficial meeting, with lots of good suggestions from both sides. This trip was both productive and enjoyable. I came away impressed with the level of energy in the community. Residents don't just huddle inside & endure the winter. Rather, they create interesting activities to help them learn more about their area. |
| Dates: 8–10 April 2009 | |
Host: Host Institution: |
Visiting Speaker: Presentations: Michelle has been doing research in Alaska for over 20 years and her findings are of great interest to the staff at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Her most recent focus is on the unique role of submarine canyons. Michelle is studying continental margin geomorphology, biogeochemistry, and attempting to quantify chemosynthetically-derived carbon sources feeding into northern foodwebs. A lifelong Alaskan, Michelle has engaged in marine ecological research and exploration in Alaskan Arctic and Subarctic waters. From coastal kelp forests to deep-sea habitats, she has examined the role of physical and biogenic features in supporting the diversity and abundance of species in Alaskan seas. As a diver, submarine pilot and ROV operator, Michelle continues to probe the depths of Alaskan marine waters using cutting edge technology to examine facets of some of the most productive ocean ecosystems in the world. |
