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Students in environmental chemistry from across the University of Alaska system came together to present their research at the 2026 Environmental Chemistry Symposium in late March, hosted by the UAF Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. 

From wildfire behavior to permafrost thaw, research topics spanned many facets of environmental challenges in Alaska and the science driving the solutions. 

Beyond presentations, the symposium created space for connection: Students asked big questions, explored new ideas and built relationships with potential collaborators.

“It has been really motivating to learn about other sciences,” said master’s student Anastasia Chen, who focuses on wintertime air quality in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.  

Iva Thomason and Gabriel Gray, undergraduate students in environmental chemistry, came to support their fellow students and explore topics as they prepare for graduate school. Both have applied to Florida State University in hopes of getting into a biogeochemistry program. 

“It’s been an inspirational experience, and I have already picked up some interesting ideas for my own research,” Gray said.

The event also hosted a career panel with representatives from NEON, Arctic Data Services, the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and including an undergraduate student interning at the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.