Published Feb 20, 2024 by Carter DeJong

Despite the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ 0-4 loss to Long Island University Friday night, UAF fans and players still managed to set off “education-grade” seismometers that were placed around the Carlson Center.

“The seismometers measure the speed that the ground is moving,” said Elisabeth Nadin, a geologist with the Alaska Earthquake Center. “When the crowd is cheering, the actual sound of yelling doesn’t register.”

Friday’s game was dubbed Research and the Rink night, so the Earthquake Center set up three seismometers around the building to pick up any seismic activity. The devices are so sensitive that they can even detect a single person walking. They even detected a 4.7 magnitude quake on Feb. 14 that occurred in Denali.

“Think of the seismometers as measuring the intensity of shaking of the building they are mounted in,” Nadin said.

During the game’s first media timeout, the Carlson Center announcer implored the crowd to stomp their feet in order to set off the devices. This caused the highest spike picked up by the devices.

The devices also registered the satisfying sound of players body-checking one another against the plexiglass or when fans would bang on the glass themselves. The Earthquake Center also set up a live feed to the Carlson Center’s jumbotron where fans could see the noise being measured in real time.

“It’s supposed to show people that science can be fun,” Nadin said. “We were inspired by how other sports stadiums in other places have done it. Even Ohio State University — Ohio has no earthquakes whatsoever — but they still installed seismometers there at their stadium just to engage fans in the ability to create shaking that can be measured scientifically.”

Published Feb 20, 2024 by Patrick Gilchrist

The University of Alaska Fairbanks men’s hockey squad couldn’t find the two-game sweep on their return home against Long Island University.

Friday and Saturday mirrored each other with 4-0 scorelines, one win apiece. Here’s how it happened.....

The weekend split moves UAF’s record to 13-13-2. They play next against the Arizona State Sun Devils this Friday at the Carlson Center at 7 p.m.

Published Feb 20, 2024 by Stefan Milkowski

In a letter of support, the Resource Development Council for Alaska wrote that HB 50 could help “decarbonize energy production” in the state and allow companies to meet their net-zero goals within Alaska. The Alaska Oil and Gas Association, Chugach Electric Association and ASRC Energy Services also expressed support for the bill.

A task force hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Institute of Northern Engineering described its mission as attracting new investment and ensuring continued operation of power generation, industrial processes, and oil and gas production, “all of which are carbon intensive activities vital to the state economy.”

Nicholas Fulford, with the consulting firm GaffneyCline, testified regarding carbon capture, utilization and storage. He said that the ability to sequester carbon dioxide could be a “very significant unlocking mechanism” for natural gas and could result in growing global demand for gas in the coming years rather than falling demand. 

Published Feb 20, 2024 by Jordan Rodenberger

Seven Seawolves scored in a pair of University of Alaska Anchorage victories on Friday and Saturday against Lindenwood University at the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

In Saturday’s 3-0 victory, second-period goals by Riley Thompson and Matt Johnson were followed up by Dylan Finlay’s goal late in the third period. The win marked goalie Greg Orosz’s first career shutout and fourth win of the season. Orosz turned aside all 31 shots he faced.

In Friday’s 5-3 win, sophomore defenseman William Gilson netted a goal and provided two assists while Connor Marritt, Johnson, Max Helgeson and Matt Allen also found the back of the net as UAA (11-15-2) dominated the shot total 48-21.

The series sweep — UAA’s first of the season — gives the program its 10th and 11th wins on the year, the most since the 2015-16 season when UAA finished 11-20-3.

Published Feb 20, 2024 by Gavin Struve

The University of Alaska Fairbanks rifle team will officially be defending its title at the upcoming 2024 NCAA Rifle Championships on March 8-9, the NCAA announced during its online selection show Monday.

The Nanooks, who won a national title in 2023, defeated the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in an NCAA Qualifier this past Saturday in their final competition ahead of the NCAA Championships.

UAF is currently ranked No. 4 nationally in the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) top-20 poll. The No. 2 team, TCU, defeated UAF at the Patriot Rifle Conference (PRC) Championships in early February. The ‘Nooks also finished behind No. 5 Air Force in that setting. However, the Nanooks’ Rachael Charles was the individual champion and smallbore winner.

The 2024 NCAA Rifle Championships will be hosted by UAF head coach Will Anti’s alma mater — CRCA No. 1 West Virginia — on campus in Morgantown, West Virginia. Teams joining UAF there include TCU, Air Force, West Virginia, Nebraska, Navy, Ole Miss and Kentucky.

Published Feb 19, 2024 by Staff report

The University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Engineering and Mines will host its annual Engineering Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24.

The event is open to high school students, prospective college students and anyone with an interest in engineering. Attendees can explore cutting-edge labs, engage with current students and faculty, and gain insights into research taking place at UAF.

Event highlights include the 58th annual ice arch constructed by engineering students as well as rocket launches. Engineering students and clubs will showcase exhibits and offer hands-on demonstrations in various fields, including electrical, mechanical, petroleum, mining, civil, geological and computer engineering. There will also be a photo booth, prizes, complimentary snacks and children’s T-shirts, while supplies last.

Participants who complete a scavenger hunt will have a chance to win one of two $1,500 scholarship accounts sponsored by Golden Valley Electric Association and the Alaska 529 plan.