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Emily Mailman is a current MS student in the fisheries department, who recently received the Belous Award. We spoke with Emily to gain some more insight into her journey here at UAF, and the events leading up to it. See her answers here:

How did you initially become interested in your specific field of study? Did a specific person inspire your work?

I grew up with the thought that I wanted to spend my days outside looking at trees and protecting the planet. I grew up in suburbia (Dallas, TX), but had a strong pull to the natural world. After graduating from Indiana University with a B.S. in Environmental Management, I moved to Seward, ºÚÁÏÉçappand spent the summer guiding sea kayak trips around the fjords of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. After that summer, I felt a strong connection to the community I had made, the lessons I had learned, and was eager to contribute to the community and culture that had taught me so much, and welcomed me with open arms.

What attracted you to UAF? Who are you working with? (e.g. advisor, committee members, other faculty or non-UAF collaborators)

Through my previous work at a Tribal consortium, I was connected with Dr. Shannon Atkinson. Through collaborating on projects related to harmful algal blooms (HABs) and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), Shannon encouraged me to pursue further education through UAF's College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. I always knew I wanted to pursue a masters, and Shannon was the perfect mentor to support me in this endeavor. It was, and still is, important to me that I continue to pursue my professional career while in school and my advisor, Dr. Shannon Atkinson (UAF), and committee members Dr. Maile Branson (UAA/CRRC), and Dr. Douglas Causey (UAA/Harvard) have helped me navigate this.

Briefly describe your work.

My research looks at paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) in the stomach contents of subsistence harvested sea otters. This is important as sea otters consume a wide array of shellfish, as do many coastal Alaskans who rely on subsistence resources. The State of ºÚÁÏÉçappdoes not currently have a subsistence monitoring program, so these results will help further understand PSTs in coastal communities, their unique congeners, and how they may impact food webs.

What motivates you? What do you think is important about your work?

I believe that science should be accessible to all, no matter age, education, or background. I have had many mentors who believed in me and taught me that we are all scientists and all of our unique perspectives create more well rounded science. The second half of my project focuses on developing hands-on curriculum for rural and non-traditional classrooms to help teach on paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) and their impact on communities and food webs. Science is a tool, but we must teach everyone how to use it.

Did you overcome any challenges in your education/life? If so, how did you overcome them?

As a "nontraditional student", I also work full time. Balancing a 40-hour work week, that often includes long stretches of field work in remote ºÚÁÏÉçappwith a full academic load has been tough. UAF faculty have been great in offering flexibility that allows me to better balance the two, while also allowing me to not have to sacrifice as many other important aspects of my life, such as exploring the mountains and fjords. I have learned to advocate for myself and ask for help when needed, and to try to not take myself too seriously. Learning should be fun!

What advice would you give to incoming or current graduate students?

Find an advisor and a project that excite you! You will be spending quite a bit of time with both, so it is important that they bring you joy. Remember that at the end of the day all the students in your cohort will come out with the same degree, so it is okay if your journey to that degree looks a little different than the person next to you.

What are the next steps in your career (i.e. what are your plans for completing your degree or after graduation)?

Currently, I work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). At NOAA, I work for the Restoration Center helping support habitat restoration programs across Alaska. I have found lots of joy in this work and plan to continue working for the agency after graduation (hopefully May 2025)! The team I work with is incredibly supportive and has shown me the value of teamwork, collaboration, and workplace wellness/balance.