27 March 2025 | 10:30 - 12:00 (MDT)
Open Session - HYBRID
Room: UMC Second Floor - 235
Organisers: Matthew Druckenmiller (University of Colorado Boulder, USA); Nikoosh Carlo (CNC North Consulting, USA); Louise Mercer (Northumbria University, UK)
Session Description:
Since 2017, the U.S. National Science Foundation-funded Navigating the New Arctic (NNA) program has advanced convergence research across the Arctic. This highly collaborative research draws from diverse disciplines and knowledge systems to solve complex societal challenges. NNA represents the U.S.’s largest ever Arctic investment in knowledge co-production, demonstrating innovative and transformative approaches to address a wide-range of issues and climate challenges intertwined within natural and social systems, as well as the built environment. The initiative has also prompted extensive critical feedback from Arctic Indigenous Peoples regarding long-standing inequalities and problematic research practices that span the full spectrum of research activities, including how research is designed, funded, implemented, and communicated with Arctic communities and Tribes. This feedback prompted reflection and furthered discussions that contributed to changes in policy, and provides a roadmap for more equitable and meaningful research. The NNA research community is made up of over 100 projects, each with its own network of partners and at different stages of completion. Some NNA projects have finished and others are ongoing, adapting and refining their practices toward generating actionable and equitable outcomes. Now is a critical time for the lessons and outcomes from the NNA program to be shared with the international research community, policymakers, funders and project partners. This session invites abstracts from diverse perspectives, knowledge systems and career stages that will share lessons-learned and outcomes from NNA research to help shape future Arctic research priorities and approaches.
Oral Presentations:
-
unfold_moreSea Ice and the Law of the Sea: Convergent Research on the Myth of Article 234 — Amanda Lynch
Amanda Lynch 1; Charles Norchi 2; Xueke Li 3
1 Brown University, World Meteorological Organization; 2 University of Maine School of Law; 3 University of PennsylvaniaFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
The sea ice of Article 234 of UNCLOS represents not the physical ice of the Arctic Ocean but a negotiated myth of ice as it affects the Arctic littoral states. The stability of this prescription is threatened by anthropogenic climate change. The emergence of new ice regimes combine with dramatically evolving geopolitical contexts presenting both demands for Arctic resource exploitation and maritime trade, as well as risks for marine ecosystems and Indigenous and traditional communities. This rapid convergence of pressures and opportunities is leading to an intensification of claims on marine space. The irreducible uncertainties of the future trajectory of Arctic change demands a dynamic response. The myth of Article 234 will ultimately align with the complexities of the phenomenon of disappearing ice. It is in the dynamic nature of international law that prescriptions do not remain constant and neither does ice.
-
unfold_moreLessons Learned in Addressing Culturally Sensitive Housing, Energy, and Climate Change Issues with Co-Production of Knowledge in Bristol Bay, Alaska — Yunjeong Mo & Olga Lauter
Yunjeong Mo 1; Olga Lauter 2; Lu Liu 1
1 Iowa State University; 2 University of Texas, El PasoFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
The interaction between Alaska Native housing and cultures is critical in that, in the past, general residential building design and policies failed to take into consideration the impact of socio-cultural components on the built environment. It is indispensable to engage the Indigenous Peoples from the beginning of the research with the co-production of knowledge framework to co-create new solutions together. Also, an interdisciplinary approach is significant to identify essential built, social, and natural features for energy efficiency within the context of their cultural background and self-governance principles.
We aim to engage in a thorough discussion on the research design process, with a specific focus on incorporating the co-production of knowledge alongside our collaborating Indigenous communities. This will also address the lessons learned that we experience in fostering more meaningful and active engagement from the communities throughout the research process. Also, we will explore culturally sensitive methods that honor Indigenous perspectives on data sovereignty and data sharing. In alignment with the principles of Indigenous data sovereignty, we will implement data-sharing strategies based on the communities' decisions, respecting their autonomy over how their data is used and disseminated.
Additionally, we will assess current approaches to residential construction, energy supply, and consumption, considering the impact of the Arctic climate and the socio-cultural factors influencing these components. By taking a culturally adequate approach, we intend to identify existing research gaps and propose enhanced research methodologies.
-
unfold_moreGraduate Student-Led Convergence Research Strategies and Best Practices for Arctic Community-Aligned Research — Tim Hoheneder
Tim Hoheneder 1; Emma Burkett 1; Cheristy Jones 1; Jess Steketee 1; Megan Verfaillie 1
1 University of New HampshireFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
Graduate student-led convergence research offers a vital pathway to advancing ethically reciprocal, community-aligned strategies for addressing complex societal challenges in the Arctic. Convergence as a research process deviates from traditional Westernized and time-bound models of traditional academic research that have come before it, instead emphasizing principles of reciprocity, flexibility, and understanding. While previous descriptions of graduate-level convergence research have often centred on the academic or professional development benefits of convergence for graduate students or the design of convergence-focused curricula, discussions that explore graduate student perspectives, best practices, and strategies for effective Arctic-focused convergence research are limited. To fill this gap, graduate students from the University of New Hampshire partook in a National Science Foundation NSF Research Traineeship (NSF-NRT) program designed to introduce and foster convergence and co-production research principles in an Arctic climate change studies context. Several key principles and best practices for graduate students conducting convergence research were uncovered based on the graduate students' experiences and reflections while enrolled in the program. Student-identified recommendations reveal that ethical responsibility in a global Arctic context, non-hierarchical sharing of power and knowledge, deliberate relationship building, and valuing the person and process were critical to successfully conducting convergence research. Suggestions underscore the role of institutional support in facilitating graduate student-led convergence research, suggesting that aspects including access to student funding, mentorship, and collaborative platforms are critical for maximizing the benefits and impact of graduate student-led convergence research.
-
unfold_moreDeveloping Actionable Regional Climate Models and Data for Communities and Decision-makers Across Alaska — Andrew Newman
Andrew Newman 1; Yifan Cheng 2; Anthony Craig 3; Dylan Blaskey 4; Nicole Herman-Mercer 5; Ryan Toohey 6; Michael Gooseff 7; Joshua Koch 8; Edda Mutter 9; et al.
1 NSF NCAR; 2 University at Buffalo; 3 Independent Contractor; 4 Environmental Protection Agency; 5 USGS SW Climate Adaptation Science Center; 6 USGS, Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center; 7 University of Colorado, Boulder; 8 USGS, Alaska Science Center; 9 Yukon River Intertribal Watershed CouncilFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
We present a novel, high-resolution land-atmosphere regional climate model (RCM) configuration with multi-decadal historical and future climate simulations for the greater Alaska and Yukon River region, a key outcome from the NSF NNA funded ‘Arctic Rivers’ project. Important model decisions were informed by Indigenous community input to improve model and data usability. First, to enable climate change assessments at Arctic community scales, the Regional Arctic System Model (RASM) was modified from its 50 km grid-spacing to 4 km. Next, to advance RASM land-modeling, the Community Terrestrial Systems Model (CTSM) was coupled to RASM with enhancements made for hydrological modeling. This configuration, forced by ERA5 reanalysis, has resulted in simulations of historical (1991-2021) precipitation, temperature, streamflow, and snowpack (among other variables) with unprecedented quality for a land-atmosphere coupled RCM. An ensemble of six future simulations for the mid-21st century, WY2035-2065, using two approaches to address community desires for a range of futures to inform decision making was then developed. The two future approaches are the pseudo global warming (PGW) approach which is a delta approach applied to historical weather, and direct Earth System Model downscaling.
Our co-design effort has resulted in a unique fit-for-purpose model and dataset for a broad range of interdisciplinary climate change research studies and intended to serve Arctic Community needs, with a total of 330 simulation years available. Here we highlight the model development advances, characteristics of the resultant dataset, and examples of projected future regional hydrometeorological change across the future ensemble including contrasts across the PGW and direct downscaled futures.
-
unfold_moreThe application of low-cost and open-source technologies in community-based monitoring approaches: learnings from the Arctic Observing Systems and Technology Convergence Working Group — Louise Mercer
Howard Epstein 1; Louise Mercer 2; Casey Brayton 3; Luis Felipe Rosado Murillo 4; Mirella Shaban 1
1 University of Virginia; 2 Northumbria University; 3 Columbia University; 4 University of Notre DameFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
The Arctic is undergoing rapid climate-driven changes, necessitating enhanced baseline data collection to monitor these shifts. Community-based monitoring (CBM) presents an effective approach to expand data collection across broader temporal and spatial scales while promoting inclusivity in Arctic research. Indigenous Knowledge Systems serve as vital observing systems in this context. We present learnings from The Arctic Observing Systems and Technology Convergence Working Group on the importance of low-cost, open-source, community-based data collection methods for comprehensive observation systems. Recent workshops at the Navigating the New Arctic Annual Community Meeting and the Arctic Observing Summit brought together diverse participants to explore technologies and strategies for scaling low-cost solutions in community-based and citizen science research. Key discussions focused on innovative observing systems, the need for affordable, durable sensors, and youth engagement. We highlight the potential of low-cost technologies to support data collection in emerging research areas, such as aiding infrastructure development and marine environmental changes. While interdisciplinary approaches that facilitate collaboration across cultural and disciplinary boundaries are necessary, there remains a need to address support and training requirements for researchers utilising these methods. One practical example of training supported by the AOST CWG included a community-based environmental monitoring camp at Ilisagvik College, where Indigenous high school students learned to deploy low-cost particulate matter sensors. This initiative fostered capacity sharing, enabling students to contribute to app development for visualizing environmental data. These learnings can help to support the development of community-based monitoring approaches that enhance Arctic observing systems and equity in research outcomes.
-
unfold_moreA convergent, multifaceted approach to investigate Greenland's changing glacial fjords — Fiammetta Straneo
Fiammetta Straneo 1
1 Harvard UniversityFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
Large glacial fjord systems at Kalaallit Nunaat’s (Greenland’s) coastal margins are characterized by rich and diverse marine ecosystems which, in turn, support local communities. Like much of the Arctic, Greenland’s margins are experiencing diminishing sea-ice, retreating glaciers and rising air temperatures. Understanding and documenting how these changes will impact the fjord-shelf ecosystems in the Ammassalik region (SE Greenland) and Qimusseriarsuaq/Upernavik (NW Greenland) region is the focus of FiShEE (Fiord-Shelf Ecosystem Exchanges), an international, interdisciplinary NNA project conceived and developed in partnership with scientists at Pinngortitaleriffik (Greenland Institute of Natural Resources). The project, which started with a planning grant in 2019, and continued with an implementation grant in 2022, involves the analysis of historical data and records, analysis of model projections and multiple oceanic research cruises to the two regions.
In this presentation, we will summarize the strategies, successes and challenges of engaging in convergent research for this glacier-fjord-shelf system across multiple disciplines, a range of time and space scales, while simultaneously building connections and adapting to requests from local communities. In addition, we will share examples of successful science integration, team building and constructive interaction with local communities which we believe may benefit other convergent projects. A more detailed description of how this project aligns with Greenland’s Strategic Research Plan will be presented in a complementary presentation in session 4.4. This presentation is made on behalf of the entire FiShEE team.
Poster Presentations (during Poster Exhibit and Session on Wednesday 26 March):
-
unfold_moreNNA Convergence Research Cruise – Bringing the ACTION project to sea — Chris Maio
Chris Maio 1
1 University of Alaska Fairbanks - Alaska Coastal CooperativeFormat: Poster in-person
Poster number: #325
Abstract:
The NNA Collaborative’s Alaska Coastal Cooperative (ACC) for Coproducing Transformative Ideas and Opportunities in the North (ACTION) seeks to contribute towards climate resilience by investing in developing an effective co-production process across its twelve community partners. The ACC’s threefold mission includes; 1) enhancing communication that elevates local research priorities, 2) co-producing applied science that contributes towards addressing these priorities, and, 3) supporting local technical capacity through innovative workforce development and education opportunities. These will be embodied in the July 2025 NNA Convergence Research cruise.
Twenty participants including Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, and educators will go to sea aboard the R/V Sikuliaq in July of 2025. The 16-day cruise will run from Seward to Nome making stops for research operations and community workshops during visits to Chignik Bay, Atka, and Gambell. Science operations include multibeam bathymetric surveys and CTD casts, deploying 2 bottom-mounted physical oceanographic moorings and a series of wave buoys.
Aboard the ship we will intentionally create a safe and open space that is responsive to dialogues, peer mentoring, reciprocity, and informally setting an intention to integrate learning opportunities through research activities. Knowledge exchange aboard the cruise will both directly support the science mission as well as provide an informal setting that builds knowledge regarding coastal and oceanographic processes and scientific techniques. We will magnify the impacts of the cruise well-beyond its participants through a short documentary film for public outreach. We plan to conduct a similar cruise in 2026, where we will incorporate lessons learned in 2025.
-
unfold_moreNNA POLARIS project – Convergence of applied research and education activities in Chevak, Alaska — Chris Maio
Chris Maio 1; Reggie Tuluk 2; Casey Ferguson 3; Cynthia Paniyak 4; Jack Wilde 5; Ryan Peterson 6; Susan Natali 7; Brian Reggiani 8; Davin Holen 9
1 University of Alaska Fairbanks - Alaska Coastal Cooperative; 2 Chevak Tribal Council - Permafrost Pathways; 3 University of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Coastal Cooperative; 4 Chevak Tribal Council IGAP; 5 Chevak Tribal Council; 6 Alaskanast Films; 7 Woodwell Climate Research Center; 8 University of Alaska Fairbanks Upward Bound - T3 Program; 9 University of Alaksa Sea GrantFormat: Poster in-person
Poster number: #334
Abstract:
The NNA POLARIS project is working with Indigenous partners in Chevak, Alaska to monitor and map areas affected by environmental hazards including erosion and flooding as well as changes in the availability and access to wild resources and their combined socioecological impacts. Here, we present on field work and education activities that began in the wake of Typhoon Merbok in the fall of 2022. Working with the Tribal Council, we have built strong relationships with community partners and parallel research and education efforts. Synergy created through working with the Tribes environmental program as well as other organizations such as Permafrost Pathways and the University of Alaska Fairbank Upward Bound demonstrate convergence science and its numerous broader outcomes.
In this component of the project, research activities have included baseline and repeat topographic surveys using real-time kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System and RTK mapping drones. These activities have been closely integrated with technical training for Tribal partners and the sharing of Indigenous knowledge and observations with western scientists. Closely coupled to the research activities are a series of educational programs with middle and high school students. This has included supporting Upward Bound opportunities through teaching about the tools, methods, and products of the research activities as well as field trips with Elder Indigenous knowledge holders. Through these collaborations and community partnerships we are forging convergent pathways that are contributing towards resilient Arctic riverine and coastal communities.