Jacob Starkey
UAMN Special Exhibit - Seasonal Glacial Mechanics and Tidewater Glacier Cycle
B.S. Geoscience
The University of Alaska Museum of the North (UAMN) will be hosting a Special Exhibit in 2026 on Tidewater Glacier Change in Alaska and Greenland. Tidewater glaciers, characterized by their interaction with the ocean, exhibit complex behaviors crucial to understanding glacial dynamics and their role in the broader Earth system. The exhibit strives to inform the public about the ongoing processes of tidewater glaciers, how these glaciers are affected by climate change, and the lasting impacts these cycles have on the surrounding ecosystem, both locally and globally. Jacob's Summer 2025 URSA project aims to enhance the educational impact of the special exhibit by developing two comprehensive exhibit panels focused on the processes governing these dynamic systems.
How is your project going so far this semester?
It's going well! The timeline at this stage of the larger project is accelerating with bi-weekly museum meetings involving the Head of Exhibits and Digital Media Production, Roger Topp, Professor of Physics Martin Truffer, Glaciology PhD candidate & URSA Mentor Amy Jenson, and myself. Most of my efforts so far have focused on developing effective narratives for the exhibit and creating structural reference illustrations to support relevant topics. I have spent considerable time with the scientific details to ensure our narratives communicate accurately and effectively.
As the needs of the upcoming special exhibit evolve, so does my role. I am learning to code to develop data analytics, contributing to "gamifying" inputs and outputs of the tidewater glacier system, and providing input into a digital interactive project that supplements a partner exhibit. The project has bolstered my interest in glacier physics specifically and cryospheric science in general.
How did you find out about URSA and what encouraged you to submit an application for funding?
I found out about URSA through discussions with peers who were actively participating in research initiatives, a presentation on URSA opportunities in a learning community I belong to, and in conversation with academics in the glaciology field as a way to support existing projects. Initially, I spoke with undergraduate students in the geoscience department who had participated in URSA as I was looking for ways to develop existing skills and network with colleagues in the field. As part of these networking efforts, I had a discussion with Amy Jenson, now my URSA mentor, at a social meet and greet and discussed the opportunity to assist on an existing project. I gained further insight during a presentation given by Erin Kirchner at a GeoLC meeting about all of the unique URSA grants.
How does your URSA project relate to your career or personal goals?
This current project does many things for my career and personal goals. The project allows me to practice some skills I developed in the past, but in a new context. I get to use my graphic design background in the science communication realm, which utilizes my creativity and growing interest in geophysics. I get to learn from two glaciology experts about current and relevant science that is important not only locally here in Alaska, but also has global implications and impacts. I also get to shadow a museum exhibit curator who is responsible for developing an experience that communicates a research project effectively for a broad audience- a skill I'll need as a researcher. As I am currently pursuing a bachelor's in Geoscience and intend to continue into a master's program, developing these skills will be beneficial into the future. As a "cherry on top," I get to work and network with great people, building my community here at UAF.
If you could share one piece of advice with students interested in pursuing URSA in the future, what would you say?
I was extremely hesitant to apply. My greatest piece of advice for students interested in pursuing URSA is to just "go for it." Trust what you feel is important; someone else will also find value in it. I was lucky in finding a mentor quickly, but it seems some great people are working here at UAF. [Mentors] are always looking for interested students to hop in on their projects. It really is a community of learning, so don't be afraid to "cold call" your professors and department heads asking for mentorship or direction. The URSA office also does a wonderful job of making sure you are successful, so trust your idea, ask around, and jump in.
Amy Jenson, Martin Truffer, and Roger Topp have been wonderful to work with thus far. It can be incredibly intimidating to be in a room with such experienced experts, and yet, to their credit, I've never felt out of place. So if anything, I am grateful for their inspiration, education, and knowledge they share with me, and to URSA for providing the opportunity to work with these people.