I’m a recent graduate with a degree in Environmental Studies, Geography and Outdoor Studies at UAS and now I'm living out my dream as a guide in Patagonia, Chile. I came up to Alaska from the Bay Area just really wanting to get out and see something new, experience something new and challenge myself. I learned a lot about leadership, how important compassion is in this industry and I learned incredible technical skills in this incredibly gorgeous place.

The program taught me how to be on the glaciers, how to be on the mountain and how to ice climb. Skiing was hard for me but I learned to ski on Denali and the next summer I ended up guiding two expeditions with a successful summit.

I was a city girl who came into this full force. I got so much confidence from this program, it was life-changing. I am very passionate about bringing people into the outdoors to share my experience.

I'm very honored and thrilled that because of the UAS ODS program I get to work in a place I have dreamed of as long as I can remember. Come down and adventure with me while I'm guiding in Patagonia, Chile!

I hope you can consider how an investment in the Outdoor Studies Program truly can change a life. It changed mine!

I was born and raised in Juneau and currently enrolled in Marine Biology at UAS. Because of private support I have been working as an intern with NOAA at the Auke Creek Fish Weir. This outstanding internship has given me invaluable, hands-on experience allowing me to conduct fisheries research and gain practical skills working in the lab. 

I'm learning from scientists who are engaged in research that has a significant impact on our state's fisheries and our community. I've gained important skills and understanding that will not only benefit me in my present education but will be invaluable as I conduct research on salmon for my graduate studies.

I'm so thankful to private donors for allowing me to participate in this incredible opportunity and I truly appreciate the support!

Sincerely,

Padraig New

I’m a senior in the Marine Biology program at UAS. I’m originally from Sitka and went to high school in Haines. As a high school student I was drawn away from Alaska as many of my peers were. I chose to leave for my first year of college, but I came back.

With my shrimp research funded through the URECA program (Undergraduate Research, Experiential & Creative Activities) I've been researching a local shrimp population to find a cause of its decline. I think it’s going to be very important in the future to bridge the gap between scientists and fisherman here in Alaska so that’s my goal. Because the two can work hand in hand.

I am graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alaska Southeast thanks to scholarships and research grants made possible with private donations.

If you believe an educated workforce creates a strong economy for Alaska won't you make a contribution to UAS today?