UAF BLaST celebrates 2024 graduates
By Amy Topkok
The Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST) program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) campus celebrated their scholars at the UAF graduation on May 5, 2024.
BLaST scholars shared their ideas, expressed gratitude for the program’s community, and talked about what their future plans may be. Many BLaST faculty were in attendance to celebrate the commencement.
Additionally, BLaST principal investigator Arleigh Reynolds received emeritus status at UAF in a special ceremony May 3, 2024.
Below are highlights of the class of 2024's thoughts and reflections.
From left: BLaST graduates Robin Masterman, Julie-Anne Brown, Gabe Miller, and Kaia Victorino. Photo Credit: UAF BLaST and Amy Topkok.
Robin Masterman
UAF BLaST congratulated Robin Masterman, BLaST Scholar from 2021 to 2024, for graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences.
Julie-Anne Brown
BlaST scholar Julie-Anne Brown (2022-2024) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences. She thanked her community.
“Thank you to everyone who went on this journey with me and a special thank you to my family for being there every step of the way,” Julie said. “I look forward to my next chapter and what the world will bring my way.”
Gabe Miller
BLaST Scholar Gabe Miller (2023-2024) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences.
Miller thanked his mentor, Maegan Weltzin, PhD, for “being the single most influential person in my development as a researcher who helped me gain a stronger basis and appreciation for neuroscience.”
Kaia Victorino
BLaST Scholar Kaia Victorino (2023-2024) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences. She spoke positively about the program.
“The research I’ve been involved with while at UAF has been such a developmental experience for me,” Victorino said. “Thank you to all my mentors for sharing their time and knowledge!”
From left: BLaST graduates Maggie House, Michael Martins, Christian Bolton, Sarah Dempsey. Photo Credit: UAF BLaST and Amy Topkok.
Maggie House
BLaST Scholar Maggie House (2023-2024) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in natural resources. House talked about her future plans.
“In my future, I see myself continuing to work towards strengthening the relationship between humans and nature and promoting the conservation of our dependence on one another,” House said.
Michael Martins
BLaST Scholar Michael Martins (2021-2024) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics.
“Thank you to everyone who helped on this journey,” Martins. “I wanted to express my gratitude to my mentors, as well as all those who helped me give back to amazing programs that have given me excellent opportunities.”
Christian Bolton
BLaST Scholar Christian Bolton (2021-2024) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and won the 2024 UAF College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Outstanding Student. Bolton reflected on his trip to Antarctica in Summer 2023, through BLaST.”
“The BLaST program has provided me with a lot of assistance in my four years at UAF but never in a million years did I think an opportunity like this would knock on my door,” Bolton said.
Sarah Dempsey
BLaST Scholar Sarah Dempsey (2022-2024) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology and wildlife major.
“I am grateful to BLaST for the opportunity to conduct ecological research as an undergraduate,” Dempsey said. “It is a joy to be a part of the scientific community researching ways to make life better for humans and animals alike.”
From left: Logan T. Ito, Samantha Wade, Siqiniq Maupin (Sarah Thomas), Garrett Taylor. Photo credit: UAF BLaST and Amy Topkok.
Logan T. Ito
Former BLaST Scholar Logan T. Ito (2023) graduated with his Master in One Health (OHM) from UAF with a biomedical concentration.
BLaST RAMP Nikola Nikolic
Nikola Nikolic, who was a BLaST Research, Advising and Mentoring Professional (RAMP) from 2022 to 2024, graduated with his Master in One Health (OHM). In fall 2024, he will pursue a Doctorate in Medicine at the WWAMI School of Medical Education in Anchorage, Alaska. Photo Credit: Amy Topkok.
Samantha Wade
Former BLaST Scholar Samantha Wade (2019-2022) graduated with her Master in One Health from UAF. She also graduated with her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences.
“I am beyond grateful for the support I received as a BLaST scholar during my undergraduate years, and in the One Health Masters program,” Wade said. “These programs have been the foundation of my One Health research, enabling me to further my education and promote the success of Indigenous research initiatives."
Siqiniq Maupin (Sarah Thomas)
Former BLaST Scholar Siqiniq Maupin (2019) graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Alaska Native studies with a concentration in Alaska Native languages.
Garrett Taylor
Former BLaST Scholar Garrett Taylor (2020) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences with a concentration in cell and molecular biology, and was also a UAF Climate Scholar.
Clockwise from top left: Devin Drown, PhD, Mario Muscarella, PhD, Anshul Pandya, PhD, BLaST PI Karsten Hueffer, PhD, Ellen Lopez, PhD, Arleigh Reynolds, PhD, Kelly Drew, PhD, and Don Larsen, all attending the UAF 2024 commencement. Photo Credit: Amy Topkok.
ATTENDING BLaST Faculty, PIs, and Former GRMA
BLaST faculty, principal investigators (PI) and staff attended the UAF commencement on May 4, 2024 to support their graduates. In attendance were:
Karsten Hueffer, PhD – BLaST PI
Arleigh Reynolds, PhD, – BLaST PI
Ellen Lopez, PhD – Director of BLaST Student Core
Kelly Drew, PhD – BLaST Equipment award recipient 2018-2019 and UAF faculty professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Don Larsen, PhD – former BLaST Graduate Research and Mentoring Assistant (2017-2018), current assistant professor of biology and wildlife at UAF
Devin Drown, PhD – UAF associate professor of biology and faculty director of the Institute of Arctic Biology Genomics Core and BLaST Faculty Pilot Project award recipient (2017-2019; 2020-2022) and BLaST Equipment award recipient (2018-2019).
Anshul Pandya, PhD – UAF associate professor of the Interior Alaska Center’s Science Program
Mario Muscarella, PhD – UAF associate professor of Institute of Arctic and Department of Biology and Wildlife and recipient of a BLaST FPP (2021-2023)
BLaST principal investigator Arleigh Reynolds (right) received emeritus status on May 3, 2024.
BLaST PI Arleigh Reynolds Receives Emeritus Status
BLaST PI Arleigh Reynolds received emeritus status on May 3, 2024, receiving one of the highest honors offered to faculty.
The Diversity Program Consortium Coordination and Evaluation Center at UCLA is supported by Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health / National Institutes of General Medical Sciences under award number U54GM119024.
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