UAS Hosts Acclaimed Climate Change Scientists

Their work occurs both in the lab and in the rainforests of Central and South America. They also have field sites in North American forests.

Juneau, Alaska

Date of Press Release: November 22, 2023

This week the University of Alaska Southeast hosted two visiting scientists, Dr. Lee Dyer and Dr. Angela Smilanich, from the University of Nevada at Reno. Drs. Dyer and Smilanich work at the nexus of four areas: climate change, ecological interactions among caterpillars, plants, and the natural enemies of caterpillars, chemical ecology, and ecoimmunology. Their work occurs both in the lab and in the rainforests of Central and South America. They also have field sites in North American forests.

While on the UAS Juneau campus, they interacted with and presented their research to students in the environmental science class “Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Climate Change.” In addition, Dr. Lee Dyer presented to a group of faculty and researchers on his work on rainforest ecology and biodiversity at the Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center (ACRC): “Using Models, Experiments, And Long-Term Observational Data To Measure Multitrophic Interactions And Loss Of Biodiversity Within Rainforests.”

“Dr. Smilanich and Dr. Dyer are leading researchers on the interactions between caterpillars and plants and how those interactions are impacted by changes in forest ecosystems due to climate change. Their research carries important implications for our understanding of rainforest ecology and may have important implications for our understanding of ecosystems worldwide, including in Southeast Alaska,” noted Dr. Glenn Wright, Professor of Political Science, who is also an instructor in the program on the environment.

The Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Climate Change course is just one of the integrative course offerings at UAS, including components from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, which promote analytical methods of thinking as a means to understand the world. With its unparalleled access to ocean, freshwater, glacial, and rainforest environments, UAS is situated in an exceptional area for scientific research and creative inspiration. UAS faculty conduct research and creative activities across a range of disciplines, providing real-world opportunities to undergraduate students who want to get more involved in their education outside of the classroom.

Learn more about degree programs offered at UAS or call and speak to an advisor at (907) 796-6100.