Research Fellows
The PCCRC awards annual graduate student fellowships to current or prospective UAF graduate students whose research aligns with PCCRC research priorities (see annual Research RFP). The fellowship includes a graduate stipend, tuition/fees, health insurance, and $2,000 that can be applied to research/travel expenses. Awards are renewable pending successful annual progress: M.S. students may receive a maximum of 2 years of support; Ph.D. students may receive a maximum of 3 years of support.
Current Fellows
There are no students currently funded directly through fellowships; however, five students and one post-doctoral researcher are supported through project funding. When/if funding becomes available for graduate fellowships details will be available on the request for proposals page.
Past Fellows
Kaitlyn Manishin, M.S. FISHERIES (2016 -2017)
Research Topic: Under what theoretical scenarios salmon shark (Lamna ditropis) predation could influence the dynamics of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim region of Alaska
Advisor: Andrew Seitz
Graduated: 2018
Elizabeth Figus, PH.D. Fisheries (2015-2017)
Research Topic: Determine impacts of three alternatives for monitoring incidental catch in the Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) fleet in Southeast Alaska.
Advisor: Keith Criddle
Graduated: 2018
Currently: North Pacific Fisheries Management Council
Cory Graham, M.S. FISHERIES (2015-2016)
Research Topic: Evaluation of growth, survival, and recruitment of Chinook salmon in southeast Alaska Rivers
Advisor: Trent Sutton
Graduated: 2016
Currently: California United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Julie Nielsen Ph.D. Fisheries candidate (2013‑2015)
Research Topic: Large-scale movement patterns of demersal fish species such as Pacific halibut, Pacific cod, sablefish, and skates using data gathered by electronic tags.
Advisor: Andrew Seitz
Currently: Kingfisher Marine Research LLC
James Strong Ph.D. Fisheries candidate (2013‑2014)
Research Topic: Development of a spatially explicit bioeconomic model of the Eastern Bering Sea (EBS) pollock fishery.
Advisor: Keith Criddle
Tadayasu Uchiyama Ph.D. Fisheries candidate (2012‑2013)
Research Topic: Develop multispecies biomass dynamics models that explicitly include predator-prey interactions among walleye pollock, Pacific cod, arrowtooth flounder, and other flatfish species in the eastern Bering Sea
Advisor: Gordon Kruse
Adam Zaleski M.S. FISHERIES (2012-2013)
Research Topic: Effects of organochlorine contaminants (PCBs & DDTs) on the endangered western stock of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus)
Advisor: Shannon Atkinson
Graduated: 2013
Currently: Data & Evaluation Supervisor with Douglas Island Pink and Chum Hatchery.
Sara Miller PH.D. FISHERIES (2009-2010)
Research Topic: Testing the optimal stability hypothesis (Gargett 1997) using juvenile hatchery pink salmon samples from the northern Gulf of Alaska (GOA).
Advisor: Milo Adkison.
Graduated: 2011
Currently: Biometrician II with Commercial Fisheries Div, ADF&G.
Kray Van Kirk Ph.D. FISHERIES (2009-2010)
ResearchTopic: Develop the Gulf of Alaska multispecies age-structured assessment model focusing on the assessment and exploration of pollock population dynamics as they relate to both fishing pressure and complex multispecies interactions.
Advisor: Terrance J. Quinn II.
Graduated: 2012
Currently: Biometrician III with Commercial Division, Alaska Dept. of Fish & Gamewith Commercial Fisheries Div, ADF&G.
In addition to the 9 student fellows, The PCCRC has helped support an additional 31 students through the research program. Many of those students have gone on to work in fisheries, marine biology, and oceanography. See what our supported students are up to now with this interactive map. Click on a point to see details on each student. Some locations such as Juneau and Anchorage are hotspots for employing fisheries researchers so you will need to zoom in.
