Hoyt Thomas, a graduate student in geomatics through UAA’s Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, will defend his master’s thesis, “Integrating Anomaly Detection and Deep Learning for Locating Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells Using Drone Mapping,” on Aug. 15. Thomas’ work, which is supported through a grant from the National Science Foundation, aims to locate uncapped and improperly sealed oil and gas wells that can pose risks to the public. In order to identify these hazards and gather the necessary data for future mitigation efforts, Thomas is utilizing cutting-edge technology, including drones and artificial intelligence. 

Grad student uses drones, AI to locate abandoned oil and gas wells 

In aviation, the phrase “full circle” carries special meaning. For some, it refers to the ambition of circumnavigating the globe. But for UAA mechanical engineering alumnus Jacob Bodolosky, it represents a more personal return to a legacy that began with his father. Later this year, Bodolosky will begin training to fly the Lockheed C-130 Hercules as part of the Alaska Air National Guard’s elite rescue squadron. The moment marks not only a professional milestone, but a personal triumph as the C-130 is the same aircraft his father flew years earlier, and the same mission—providing life-saving support across Alaska—that first brought their family to the state.

Engineering grad takes to the skies

A new graduate program will be available at the UAA College of Engineering in the fall 2025 semester: the Master of Science in artificial intelligence, data science, and engineering. The new program is the result of efforts by three faculty members: Masoumeh Heidari Kapourchali, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science and computer systems engineering; Caixia Wang, Ph.D., professor of geomatics, and Mohammad Heidari Kapourchali, Ph.D., associate professor of electrical engineering. “We’re trying to have this launch as early as possible,” explained Wang. “We’re very excited to launch it and get students enrolled. We should have the first cohort in fall 2025.”

New graduate program in artificial intelligence to launch in fall 2025

When civil engineering alumnus Lt. Col. Brigham Moore first joined the United States Air Force, he had a passing awareness of the prestigious Federal Engineer of the Year Award. At the time, winning the award felt like a distant fantasy. But in February 2025, after years of dedication and innovation nationally and globally, Moore finally earned the title of Federal Engineer of the Year from the National Society of Professional Engineers. Born in Nebraska and raised in Utah, Moore always carried a deep sense of duty. That sense of patriotism led him to commission as an officer in the Air Force right after earning his bachelor’s degree at Utah State University. But even before that, another passion shaped his future: his love of math and science.

Civil engineering alumnus named Federal Engineer of the Year

Residents of Southcentral Alaska have been preparing for the possible eruption of Mt. Spurr over the last few months, with concerns lingering about the effects of potential ashfall on local communities. Recent UAA alumnus Paul Gabriel, who defended his master’s thesis in geological sciences in April, is focused on another volcanic public health concern: mercury. Originally from Wisconsin, Gabriel studied environmental science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he gained experience examining water chemistry and nutrients in local lakes. After graduating from UW–Madison, Gabriel relocated to Alaska to take a job with the National Park Service monitoring water quality in Katmai National Park. 

UAA grad student investigates the connection: volcanoes, lake trout and public health

For Piper Yuknis Jones, Wendler Middle School teacher, educational leadership alumna and graduate student commencement speaker for the spring Class of 2025, teaching is all about the “light bulb moment.” It’s the instant when a student’s confusion turns into understanding — when something finally clicks. “What I love most is making that connection with the younger generation and learning about all the things that are going on in the world through their eyes,” said Jones. “It's great seeing the growth they make throughout the years.”

Loving the light bulb moments