News

Special Message: Innovation Celebration Honoree List

September 16, 2026

Stephanie Wright

David Park (OIPC Director), and I are excited to celebrate the truly innovative advancements that spread hope for a better life in the Arctic. Our work is fueled by the great minds sharing their spirit for innovation with our local communities and Arctic neighbors.

This year, we celebrate the research and hard work from the past three years of incredible leaders, including:

  • Tate Barhaug

  • Riley Bickford

  • Logan Borger

  • Billy Connor

  • Kelly Drew

  • Barrett Flynn

  • Doug Goering

  • Gabriel Gray

  • Jonathan Kamler

  • Clay Koplin

  • Kory Lamme

  • Bernard Laughlin

  • Mary Beth Leigh

  • Becky Lindsey

  • Stuart Lutton

  • Tom Marsik

  • Garrett Martinez

  • Andrew McDonnell

  • Lynda McGilvary

  • Erin Trochim

  • Laura Weber

  • Maegan Weltzin

Early closes today (Sept 15), though registration at the door will be accepted until we reach capacity.

We look forward to welcoming chancellors, staff, deans, and directors across the UAF system to celebrate the truly remarkable accomplishments of these 22 innovative minds. We couldn’t be prouder to serve the researchers here at UAF.

Sincerely,

Stephanie and David. 

#NanookNation