Category Archives: Education

AKES Science Fair Awards – 2026

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Interior Alaska Science Fair (Fairbanks, AK)

Congratulations to Ren Smelter on his receipt of an AKES Science Fair Award for his project titled “The Amazing Ants of Alaska”, presented at the Interior Alaska Science Fair. Ren’s poster covers ant anatomy, behavior, taxonomy, and adaptions to Alaska’s cold winters. Additionally, he created a 3D model of a carpenter ant (Camponotus herculeanus). Great work, Ren!

Ren was awarded a certificate and a copy of the book “Adventures Among Ants: A Global Safari with a Cast of Trillions” by Mark W. Moffett. Thank you to Derek Sikes, Taylor Kane, and Jessica Rykken for attending the 2026 Interior Alaska Science Fair on behalf of AKES.

A student science fair poster on a table. The poster background is red, and titled "The Amazing Ants of Alaska" in a rainbow of colors. The poster features typed information, photographs, and hand drawings related to ants. There is a large handmade model of an ant on the table in front of the poster.
The Amazing Ants of Alaska by Ren Smelter. Science Fair poster presented at the Interior Alaska Science Fair, March 2026.
A young boy stands on stage holding up a certificate and a book titled "Adventures Among Ants".
Ren Smelter receives his AKES Science Fair Award at the 2026 Interior Alaska Science Fair.

Alaska Science & Engineering Fair (Anchorage, AK)

Congratulations to Jaxson Redmond on his receipt of an AKES Science Fair Award for his project titled “Frassonators for the Future”, presented at the Alaska Science & Engineering Fair. Jaxson tested whether mealworm weight and frass weight differed based on the composition of the container the mealworms were housed in (aka “Frassonator”). Congratulations, Jaxson! And, a thank you to Ramsey Sullivan for attending the AK Science & Engineering Fair on behalf of AKES.

A photo of a green and orange-colored science fair poster titled "Frassonators for the Future" by Jaxson Redmond.
“Frassonators for the Future” by Jaxson Redmond. Science Fair poster presented at the Alaska Science and Engineering Fair (Anchorage), March 2026.

AKES Science Fair Award – 2025

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Congratulations to Izzy Spellman, Oliver Brewer, Lief O’Regan, Piper Straub, & Severin Parks on their receipt of an AKES Science Fair Award! Their project titled “True Colors of Insect Outbreaks in the Boreal Forest – Can We Detect Forest Insect Outbreaks in 25 Years of GLOBE Green Down Leaf Color Data Collected by interior Alaska Students?” looked for patterns in 25 years of leaf color data on insect-damaged leaves collected by students in interior Alaska. They found that insect damage is associated with certain leaf colors, and that warm winters tend to precede worse birch leafminer outbreak years. Thank you to Ramsey Sullivan, Derek Sikes, Taylor Kane, and Jessica Rykken for attending the Alaska Science and Engineering Fair (Anchorage) and the Interior Science Fair (Fairbanks) on behalf of AKES!

A student science fair poster
Alaska Science & Engineering Fair – Izzy Spellman, Oliver Brewer, Lief O’Regan, Piper Straub, & Severin Parks, “True Colors of Insect Outbreaks in the Boreal Forest – Can We Detect Forest Insect Outbreaks in 25 Years of GLOBE Green Down Leaf Color Data Collected by interior Alaska Students?”

Denali’s Micro-Wilderness: Insects and Spiders

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Denali is home to more than 50 different butterflies. These elegant insects of Denali are among the smallest yet most numerous of Denali’s denizens. Without butterflies and other pollinators, the abundant wildflowers and berries that carpet Denali’s landscape would not exist. And pollinating is just one of many essential roles that these and other insects play in Denali. Insects are the most abundant wildlife in Denali, yet people know little about these tiny and easily ignored creatures. A close look into the park’s micro-wilderness reveals a whole new world of wonder. This summer Alaska Geographic offers a rare opportunity to explore Denali National Park’s micro wilderness with entomologists from the National Park Service and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Jessica Rykken, NPS entomologist, and Derek Sikes from the University of Alaska Fairbanks will draw on their five-year arthropod study in the park to teach the class. Participants will visit their research sites in the Denali backcountry and help with data collection. Space is limited for this June 22-24th course.

To sign up for Denali’s Micro-Wilderness: Insects and Spiders, visit the Alaska Geographic Field Course page.