Graduate Studentships
WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR
University of Alaska system prospective or current graduate students and postdocs with an interest in using the product of their research to build scaled and long lasting initiatives that benefit individuals and communities.
RISE-UP Program Commitments and Flow
This program offers two types of fellowships that come with financial support and programming to allow students and postdoctoral researchers to explore possible applications for their research and bring promising innovations to the hands of those who need them.
The RISE-UP program supports two forms of fellowships.
Entrepreneurial fellowship requirements
- Meet weekly with program leads and mentors:
- Report on project advancement
- Receive feedback and help when stuck
- Broaden professional network
- Select and complete a project-building milestone by the end of the semester
- Complete and deliver final report orally and in writing
Once your application is ready for the program, please submit it via the submission form below.
Innovation fellowship requirements
- Meet weekly with program leads to discuss project and learn new skills
- Complete weekly reflection/exercises
- Deliver final report orally and in writing
Once your application is ready for the program, please submit it via the submission form below.
Which of the two types of fellowships to apply for
Selecting the type of fellowship to apply for depends on where you are in your innovation journey. If you are not sure, feel free to apply for both fellowships and the selection committee will work with you to select the most appropriate track.
Below are a few guidelines to help you choose:
- I have no project > apply for an innovation fellowship. We’ll pair you up with an existing project so you can explore what it is like to work on translational projects.
- I have an innovative project but do not feel confident I know how to start on building it up > apply for an innovation fellowship
- I have an innovative project and I think I know what I need to do to bring it to the next level > apply for an entrepreneurial fellowship
- I’m still unsure why type to select > request a consultation by emailing centerice@alaska.edu.
What the fellowships cover
During the academic year
Can be combined with ½ TA-ship
Over the summer
Can be combined with internship
During the academic year
Can be combined with ½ TA-ship
Over the summer
Can be combined with internship
Current Fellows
Noah is working on an improved standard procedure to test the concentration of active ingredients present in Rhodiola rosea grown by Alaskan farmers. A relatively new agricultural crop for Alaska, the plant is used notably to produce antidepressants and other pharmaceutically active substances. This new crop, which requires Arctic conditions to grow well, represents tremendous potential for the state and Noah is at the forefront of creating the resources for this budding industry to successfully access the global pharmaceutical-grade ingredient market.
Michael is developing a microbial process to extract and separate lanthanides including Thorium and Uranium from US sourced coal. This biomining process would operate at circumneutral pH and be scaled up in bioreactors gradually so as to be competitive with conventional mining extraction efficiency. Bio-extraction of rare earth elements (such as uranium & thorium) from coal ore in pursuit of a domestic source of materials for space, health, and tech industries.
Danielle is focused on the development of a novel toolbox for the detection and surveillance of genes associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This toolbox comprises a fully customizable target gene panel and robust bioinformatic pipeline. Detection for antibiotic-resistant water pathogens by sequencing DNA and efficiently identifying through proprietary algorithms; intended for remote deployment / field use applications.
David is assess the affordable and durable housing options using locally sourced substitute components for concrete, which are currently being evaluated and tested.
Past Fellows
Su was working in lab and field settings to test new 3D printed technology for aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA) collection.Su also worked on an interdisciplinary project combining genetics, environmental engineering and entrepreneurship. Sujung worked with project partners in the Department of Fisheries and Institute of Northern Engineering
Vy was developing a drug to treat strokes from Arctic ground squirrel cells. Ground squirrels happen to have a cellular immunity to strokes. She was focused on isolating the unique biological mechanisms that explain this stroke resistance so as to create a small molecule humans could absorb to regrow the brain tissues that are killed by strokes and are currently irrecoverable.
Jakki was developing a solution to the transitional challenges faced by high school students as they navigate the shift from the structured environment of academia to the multifaceted realities of the real world by addressing a critical gap in the educational landscape.
Anne was working on empowering Indigenous women and girls in Alaska through targeted initiatives in health communication.
Engineered an advanced yet economical sensor for radon and partial pressure of carbon dioxide, for her research of sea kelps' role in ocean acidification. This innovative solution was devised to overcome equipment challenges, filling the gap left by a discontinued essential product, and ensuring the uninterrupted progress of studies on how farmed kelp can play a pivotal role in absorbing carbon dioxide and alleviating the detrimental effects of ocean acidification in coastal areas.
Amelia was creating a digital library of rare specimens of mammal species that can help solve veterinary challenges, be used for research, or in making documentaries and movies among other things.