With funding from the AMC’s Workforce Development grant component, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) recently hosted the Kodiak Ideation Studio, a multidisciplinary event aimed at connecting UAF faculty, students, and staff with Kodiak’s growing mariculture industry. The event focused on leveraging UAF’s diverse expertise to address complex challenges in Alaska’s mariculture sector, particularly in kelp farming and related marine industries.

Held from October 31 to November 2, the event included tours of Kodiak’s mariculture facilities, engagement with local industry leaders, and collaborative solution-building with community members. For College of Liberal Arts (CLA) participants, the experience reinforced the essential role of liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences in tackling science-driven challenges, especially as UAF moves toward R1 research status.

Each CLA participant brought a unique perspective, enhancing the studio’s collaborative work. Megan Koch, Project Manager for the Build Back Better (BBB) Regional Challenge at Center ICE and a graduate student in communication, was thrilled with CLA’s role in the project. “The collaboration from the phenomenal interdisciplinary cohort that traveled to Kodiak, and the hosts at the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center and Alaska Fisheries Science Center, emphasized the importance of building statewide relationships to fuel innovation at UAF and within Alaska,” she shared.

Opportunities to Participate in Future Ideation Studios

The Kodiak Ideation Studio underscores UAF’s commitment to interdisciplinary research that addresses local and statewide issues, with plans for future studios focused on similar challenges. Open to faculty, students, and staff across all departments, the program fosters collaboration across diverse disciplines. Madara Mason, Director of the Honors House, summarized, “This experience underscored the power of collaboration and the unique contributions each field brings to solving Alaska’s most pressing issues. We’re excited to see where this takes us next—and recognize that we’ll need the critical perspectives of the humanities to get there.”

For those interested in joining the next Ideation Studio, please reach out to Megan Koch at UAF Center ICE for more information on how to participate in the next session.

Background

Southeast Conference (SEC) is the federally designated Economic Development District (EDD) for Southeast Alaska, as well as the state designated Alaska Regional Development Organization. SEC’s mission is to undertake and support activities that promote strong economies, sustainable communities, and a healthy environment in Southeast Alaska.

In September 2022, Southeast Conference was awarded a $49 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) grant to catalyze a viable and sustainable mariculture industry in Alaska, supporting the production of shellfish and seaweed, for the long-term benefit of the state’s economy, environment, and communities.

SEC leads the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) grant coalition, which includes members of Alaska’s mariculture industry, tribal organizations, regulatory agencies, university system, regional EDDs, trade organizations, and others. A Governance Body, composed of AMC coalition leaders and Tribal executives from each of the project regions, guides the grant’s work and equity metrics.

The AMC has complementary grant components designed to break down barriers and develop Alaska’s mariculture industry.  The Overarching Narrative explains how the grant components work together to grow the industry in an equitable and responsible manner. The full project period for the AMC BBBRC project is October 1, 2022 to September 30th, 2026.