Photo of Jackson Pillifant, pushing a small sled with a sample cage, through shallow water

Jackson Pillifant

He/him/his

M.S. Student

Marine Biology

2120 N Koyukuk Dr
Irving II
Fairbanks, AK 99775
jdpillifant@alaska.edu

 

Advisor

 

Education

Reed College
B.A. Biology
2024

 

Certifications

  • AAUS diving certification, SEI/UAS
  • Drysuit Diving certification, SEI/UAS
  • Rescue Diver certification, SEI/UAS
  • Advanced Open Water certification, PADI
  • Nitrox Diving certification, SEI/UAS
  • Alaska Boating Safety certification, UAS

 

Biography

I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. During my undergrad at Reed College I studied Biology with a focus on developmental biology and neuroscience but I always planned to pursue marine biology in the long term. Since then I gained experience conducting field research in Alaska and joined AK's lab at CFOS at the beginning of the 2025/26 school year. My interests lie primarily under the umbrella of kelp mariculture and harmful algal blooms (HABs). 

 

Internships

  • KBNERR/NOAA Nearshore Fish Intern; Scientific Diving Internship in Sitka, AK