BLaST RAMPs

Meet the BLaST RAMPs

(Research Advising & Mentoring Professionals)

 
Image

Ellen Chenoweth, B.A., Ph.D. (Fisheries)
Email: emchenoweth@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-747-7791
Office: Sitka 112, UAS (University of Alaska Southeast)

Click here for RASOR: https://rasor.alaska.edu/

I grew up in Michigan but have lived in Alaska for the last 13 years. I completed my Ph.D. in Fisheries from UAF studying humpback whales that feed on juvenile salmon at hatchery release sites. I have participated in necropsies of humpback whales, a grey whale, a killer whale, a harbor porpoise, sea lions, and seals.  I helped to develop the virtual whale necropsy.  I love studying marine mammals and teaching about them because of our common ancestry and their fascinating adaptations to life in an alien ocean environment.  I've lived and worked in Sitka, Juneau, and Glacier Bay.  I love kayaking, softball, and traveling around the different environments and communities of Alaska.
Research Interests:  Marine mammal fishery interactions; diet, optimal foraging, prey selection and energetics; salmon aquaculture economics.
Techniques: Process modeling, stochastic modeling (regression), R, stable isotopes, bio-logging tags.

 
 
Image
Nikola Nikolic, BS
Email: nnikolic@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-5799
Office: 185 Arctic Health Research Building, UAF
Teaching Interests: Enjoys learning and teaching all subjects within the realms of physical and life sciences; mentoring pre-health students; and tutoring in the natural sciences. Informally also teaches and practices German and Serbian.
Research Interests: Biochemistry and inorganic chemistry; working with communities and students.
Personal Interests:  I am originally from Chicago and moved to Alaska with my family a few years ago; I graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry from UCLA with double minors in German and Central and East European studies. Currently, I am a graduate student in the One Health masters program at UAF and absolutely loving it. As a pre-med student, I’ve had numerous experiences working with patients, conducting and presenting research, and studying for the MCAT. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, camping, cooking, fishing, and learning new dances. I am thrilled to be a part of the team and having the privilege to work with our amazing scholars!
 
 
Image
Christine Smith, Ph.D.
Email: smith_christine@fortlewis.edu
Phone: 970-852-5190
Office: 1000 Rim Drive, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO 81301
I was born in Utah and moved to Indiana when I was 14 years old. I was a Chemistry major at Indiana University and did my PhD in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University. I have taught general chemistry, introductory biology and biochemistry for almost 20 year now! I believe my education in the biomedical sciences helps me make a difference in the world. I am particularly passionate about nutrition and science communication. In my current role as a BLaST RAMP, I work on increasing student awareness and involvement in research all across the Fort Lewis College campus. I teach an Introduction to Human Disease course, and Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology Labs course. I am also an Academic Success Coach, which gives me many opportunities to work with students one-on-one. I feel incredibly fortunate to live in beautiful Durango and have the chance to work at "the Fort" where awesome things happen every day.