Utqiagvik, Alaska
A recent University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate, Jesstin Patterson holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering and is committed to making a difference in his community.
“There is a unique balancing act between Arctic cultures and the energy industry to ensure culture and subsistence lifestyles are available to future generations. With my Alaska heritage and engineering education, I’m willing to help see that happens,” said Jesstin.
When Jesstin was finishing up his senior year of high school, a friend encouraged him to apply for ANSEP’s Summer Bridge component.
“Fortunately, I received acceptance,” Jesstin said. From there, Jesstin went on to participate in ANSEP’s University Success component and complete internships with NANA WorleyParsons and the North Slope Borough. His internship work in the Gulf of Mexico on oil platforms inspired Jesstin to transfer from University of Alaska Anchorage to UAF to hone in on his specialty area – petroleum engineering.
“ANSEP was an integral part of my success here at UAF. Aside from the scholarship money, great friendships, work experience and free lunches, ANSEP provided me the opportunity to grow and mature into an individual prepared to strengthen the fabric of my community,” Jesstin said.
ANSEP provided him with the support and tools he needed to complete his engineering degree, but his success can be attributed to Jesstin’s consistent drive and dedication throughout his education and internships. He was even voted twice by his fellow ANSEP peers as “Most Determined,” and he received the honor from astronaut Buzz Aldrin at the annual ANSEP Celebration in 2013.
“That meant a lot to me because my parents were there,” Jesstin said.
As he enters Alaska’s oil and gas industry full time, Jesstin remains determined to ensure that the communities where he grew up are protected while looking towards the future.
“Embrace this program, it works. By participating in ANSEP, the academic challenges of STEM are not as unattainable as one may think. It brought friendship, personal growth as well as the confidence I needed to succeed and complete my engineering degree,” Jesstin said.
