Denali Park announces summer research

The Murie Science and Learning Center in Denali Park has selected four research fellows for this coming year. The recipients include a researcher from Alaska and three graduate students from outside the state.  The purpose of their research is to continue to expand scientific efforts taking place in Denali and other parks.

One researcher will conduct glacier terminus surveys in the Kichatna Mountains in Denali.  Another researcher will ask questions related to the thawing of permafrost soils near Denali.  Two cultural anthropology studies are being funded – the complex social organization prior to European contact in northwestern Alaska AND archeological surveys near the Savage River to learn more about the use of stone points and microblades.

The researchers are Joe Bickley of Alaska Backcountry Consulting, John Blong of Texas A & M University, Caitlin Hicks of the University of Florida and Shelby Anderson of the University of Washington.

The Discover Denali Research Fellowships are made possible through proceeds from Discover Denali, an MSLC program developed in partnership between the Denali Education Center and the National Park Service.  The Discover Denali program helps Royal Celebrity Tours participants learn about Denali’s natural and human history. The Denali Education Center seeks to connect people to Denali through research, education, and communication.

The fellowships are offered annually and open to college and university students and faculty and other researchers.