Kadin Dayton
Kadin Dayton is Athabascan, his family is from the villages Koyukuk and Kaltag, and he was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. This summer, Kadin interned with ConocoPhillips in the Exploration Department where he studied the geology of the North Slope and did planning on where to drill new wells. This project consisted of organizing rock data from wells as old as the 1940s and coding it into a visualization program. Throughout his internship, Kadin was able to create 125 new wells within their database and load over 2.3 million data points into the program! This will allow the geologists to better predict where to drill for oil and Kadin’s code will continue to be utilized by ConocoPhillips in the future for these predictions! He also had the opportunity to travel to Alpine (an oil field on the North Slope) to meet the production engineers and tour oil rigs, pipelines, and facilities to learn about the processes.
This fall, Kadin will be attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Kadin’s internship at ConocoPhillips not only benefited him personally but also played a vital role in advancing the company’s capabilities in oil exploration. We’re excited to see how his passion and expertise will continue to make a positive impact on the world of engineering in the years to come! Quyana to ConocoPhillips for providing Kadin with this incredible opportunity and for their support in fostering the next generation of talented engineers!
Samuel Lashlee
Samuel Lashlee, Yup’ik from Wasilla, will be pursuing his B.S. in professional piloting degree at UAA: University of Alaska Anchorage this fall!
This summer, Samuel had the incredible opportunity to intern at The Boeing Company. Working in the Product Development (PD) organization, he was able to participate in engaging workshops that introduced him to diverse problem-solving and improvement models. From touring the safety center to immersing himself in airplane wing and final assembly production, his experience encompassed every part of airplane manufacturing.
Samuel’s projects didn’t stop at production – he also played a role in designing the Mfg Ops Collaboration Center space, assisted with Accelerated Improvement Workshops (AIW), and explored the world of 3D printing. Through this exposure to aircraft design and production systems, he now has laid the foundation for a promising future in the field of aviation!
A huge thank you to Boeing for giving Samuel this incredible opportunity and for supporting ANSEP’s mission of empowering students and promoting their professional development.
Vernadette Fernandez-Alexie
Summer Bridge student Vernadette Fernandez-Alexie is Athabascan and Hispanic from Anchorage! They first joined ANSEP in 2017 as a Middle School Academy student and this fall they will be attending UAA: University of Alaska Anchorage to pursue a BS degree in Health Sciences.
This summer, for their Summer Bridge internship, they worked with the Science & Engineering Fellowship Program at the University of Rhode Island. Under the mentorship of PhD Candidate Samantha Schofield, Vernadette learned about the flagging process, tick observation, and collecting samples to better understand tick behavior!
Quyana to the University of Rhode Island and to Samantha Schofield for working with Vernadette and giving them this amazing opportunity. Through internships like these, ANSEP students are able to apply their knowledge in their college courses and in their future careers.
Dana Kiokun
Dana Kiokun, from the Cup’ig tribe in Mekoryuk, Alaska, worked with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) in the Urology department at the Alaska Native Medical Center this summer! For her summer bridge internship, Dana stepped into the role of an Internal Medicine Outpatient, playing a crucial part in the healthcare process. From coordinating appointments for patients to shadowing and assisting healthcare providers during procedures, she was able to gain firsthand insights into the dynamic world of medicine!
Quyana to ANTHC and all the medical professionals who worked with Dana! It’s experiences like these that give ANSEP students knowledge of their chosen occupation and ensure that they are on the right career path before enrolling into college. This fall, Dana will be attending UAA: University of Alaska Anchorage to pursue a degree in nursing!
Elenor Whitney
Elenor Whitney, from Bethel, completed an exciting internship with the Orutsararmiut Native Council-ONC as a dedicated fish technician this summer! Collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Alaska Department of Fish and Game – Official (ADFG), Orutsararmiut Native Council Fisheries, and the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (KRITFC), Elenor and her team made a significant impact on fisheries and conservation efforts.
Throughout her Summer Bridge internship, Elenor played a vital role in the ADFG Bethel fish testing, salmon elders deliveries, and aerial surveys. She also reported weekly data to the ADFG Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Working Group and every fish collected during her research was given back to the Kwethluk and Bethel communities!
This fall, she will be attending UAA: University of Alaska Anchorage to pursue a degree in Mathematics. Thank you to the Orutsararmiut Native Council, USFWS, ADFG, and KRITFC for providing such a valuable opportunity for ANSEP students!
Ari Olmsted
Meet Ari Olmsted, Tlingit and Tsimshian from Kasilof, Alaska! During her summer bridge internship with ConocoPhillips, Ari worked with the Infrastructure & Support Department, diving headfirst into exciting projects. These projects, led by specialized tundra technicians, involved the meticulous cleanup of areas impacted by human activity over the winter. Ari’s mission was to gather insights from diverse fields and perspectives to devise innovative ways to streamline this process. She was also able to visit the North Slope, specifically Kuparuk and Alpine, which provided invaluable insights into the complexities of the project. Great job, Ari, for your outstanding dedication to community, innovation, and hands-on learning!
This upcoming fall, Ari will begin pursuing a Health Science degree at UAA: University of Alaska Anchorage. Thanks to her experience at ConocoPhillips, she now has the exposure and hands-on experience that will undoubtedly shape her future career. The dedication of ConocoPhillips in supporting programs like ANSEP not only benefits the interns but also contributes to the overall advancement of the industry.
Hayden Mullikin
Hayden Mullikin, from Homer, is shaping the future with ANSEP! This summer, he interned with the Alaska Volcano Observatory and assisted with providing real-time, invaluable data to alert the public and the aviation industry about volcanic activity.
During his summer bridge internship, Hayden proved to be a dedicated advocate for safety and awareness. He played an integral part in preparing informative presentations, aimed at educating communities on the Aleutian Islands about active volcanoes in their vicinity. This important showcase will pave the way for informed decisions and preparedness in these vulnerable areas for the future.
Hayden also engaged in vital lab work, meticulously sorting through sample rocks. This hands-on experience allowed him to connect theory with practice, honing his skills and deepening his understanding of geological processes.
Thank you to the Alaska Volcano Observatory for providing Hayden with this remarkable opportunity to work in public safety and scientific exploration! He will be attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the fall and will be pursuing a degree in renewable energy. Congratulations on this exciting achievement, Hayden, and we are excited to continue to work with you as an ANSEP University Success student!
Jon Winters
Meet Summer Bridge student Jon Winters, from Galena, Alaska! Jon recently completed his internship with The Boeing Company, where he served as a Quality Engineering Intern in the BCA Product Development. His project focused on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in inspection processes for the Boeing 767 Freighter. Through meticulous research, Jon identified key areas where AI could enhance the inspection process, envisioning a cutting-edge AI system that could revolutionize the way inspections are performed. He combined on-site visits to the Boeing Everett Factory, expert consultations, and online research to craft a comprehensive AI integration plan.
One standout highlight of Jon’s journey was his participation in an Accelerated Improvement Workshop (AIW) at Boeing. This workshop brought together experts to collaboratively tackle challenges and enhance processes. Jon and his team worked on the Raw Material Management Process at the 777X Composite Wing Center, addressing crucial aspects like scrap carbon fiber disposal, cart routing, bin organization, and workstation optimization.
Throughout this summer, Jon was able to immerse himself in the dynamic world of professional engineering. He engaged in hands-on projects and had the privilege of learning from experts across diverse disciplines. His academic journey will continue this fall at UAA: University of Alaska Anchorage where he will be working towards his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. We’re all incredibly proud of Jon’s journey and can’t wait to see where his passion for engineering takes him next. Quyana to Boeing for giving Jon this amazing experience!
Andre Bergerson
Meet Andre Bergerson! He first joined ANSEP in 2016 as a middle school student and this fall he will be pursuing an Aviation degree at UAA: University of Alaska Anchorage. This summer, Andre had an amazing summer bridge internship experience in the Ungava Peninsula, northern Québec, working with the Branch of Migratory Bird Surveys, Division of Migratory Birds, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under the guidance of Rob Spangler (USFWS Pilot and Biologist) and Francis St-Pierre (Canadian Wildlife Service Wildlife Technician), their mission was to collect crucial data for the protection and conservation of the Atlantic Population Canada Goose in the United States and Canada.
We’re incredibly proud of Andre’s accomplishments and the impact he’s making in the world of wildlife conservation and aviation! Quyana to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for giving Andre this opportunity and for continuously supporting ANSEP students! Read more about Andre’s experience here.
Andrew Gebert
Meet Summer Bridge student Andrew Gebert, from Chugiak! This summer, he was a fisheries intern with the Native Village of Napaimute in Aniak, Alaska. From preparing and sharing crucial state and federal fishing regulations within the village to getting hands-on with external boat motors and repairing fishing nets, he was able to experience every aspect of fisheries management. Andrew was also responsible for salmon population enumeration through the Aniak Test Fish (ATF) program. This involved casting out a gill net at different spots along the Kuskokwim River, recording the variety of salmon species caught, as well as meticulously noting air and water temperatures.
A huge thank you to the Native Village of Napaimute for giving Andrew this incredible opportunity and providing him with invaluable hands-on experiences. It’s through partnerships like these that we empower the next generation of conservation leaders, allowing them to make a positive impact on their communities and environments!
Mariia Kalmykova
Mariia Kalmykova is from Wasilla and this summer she worked with the United States Forest Service for her Summer Bridge internship! Her position allowed her to assist with multiple projects and contribute to meaningful work being done around the state! At the Williwaw Campground in Girdwood, she played a pivotal role in the Picnic Table Construction Project and engaged in extensive survey work along the Russian River. She also assisted in the measurement of a road slated for expansion to two lanes to alleviate traffic congestion. Mariia’s involvement extended beyond road work as well, as she also went on surveying expeditions with engineers and hydrologists. Together, they assessed the future site for the Tin Can Cabin in Turnagain Pass and explored various locations in Granite Bay!
Mariia’s invaluable experiences and learning opportunities with the U.S. Forest Service have equipped her with a profound understanding of engineering projects. She is now well-prepared to apply this knowledge as she pursues her Civil Engineering degree. Thank you to the Forest Service and to Mariia’s mentors for their unwavering support and guidance, which have not only enriched her summer bridge internship experience but have also paved the way for her promising future in civil engineering!
