Department
Natural Sciences
The UAS Department of Natural Sciences facilitates student learning of mathematics, scientific, and analytical methods of thinking as a means to understand the world.
![Study natural science with access to the ultimate natural laboratory](../../apply/programs/images/area-biology/area-biology.jpg)
Biology & Marine Biology
Program coordinator: David Tallmon
![An Interdisciplinary Approach to Studying the Environment](../../apply/programs/images/area-program-on-the-environment/area-environmental-science-sample.jpg)
Environmental Science & Environmental Resources
Program coordinator: Sonia Nagorski
Part of the Program on the Environment, Departments of Humanities and Natural Sciences
![Study natural science with access to the ultimate natural laboratory](../../apply/programs/images/area-biology/marine-biology-feature.jpg)
Fisheries & Ocean Sciences, Fisheries Science
Program coordinator: Dr. Heidi Pearson
![An Interdisciplinary Approach to Studying the Environment](../../apply/programs/images/area-ods/area-ods.jpg)
Environmental Studies and Outdoor Studies
Program coordinator: Dr. Kevin Maier
Part of the Program on the Environment, Departments of Humanities and Natural Sciences
![Open the door to a range of possibilities](../../apply/programs/images/area-math/stephenmathsmall.jpg)
Mathematics
Program coordinator: Dr. Megan Buzby
Research at UAS
UAS is at the center of Alaskan research, with unparalleled access to ocean, freshwater, glacial, and rainforest environments. UAS faculty conduct research and creative activities across a range of disciplines, providing excellent real-world opportunities to undergraduate students for hands-on learning.
Staff
Biology & Marine Biology Faculty
Michael O. Navarro, Ph.D.
![Michael O. Navarro, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/monavarro.jpg)
Associate Professor of Marine Fisheries
Dr. Michael Navarro is a biological and fisheries oceanographer, and studies chemical, physical, geological and human effects on coastal fishery species and food webs.
Megan Behnke, Ph.D. (she/her)
![Megan Behnke, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/mbehnke.jpg)
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
In addition to research, Megan spends her time paddling, skiing, climbing, gardening, reading (particularly science fiction) and bushwhacking around the forest trying to find her dog.
View profile and contact infoEnvironmental Science & Environmental Resources Faculty & Staff
Jason M. Amundson, Ph.D.
![Jason M. Amundson, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/jmamundson.jpg)
Professor of Geophysics
I have a background in glaciology and geophysics. My research focuses on tidewater glaciers and glacier-ocean interactions, and I am especially interested in the ways that glaciers interact with other Earth system components. I teach the introductory physics courses as well as upper division courses in Earth's climate and glaciology.
View profile and contact infoJason B. Fellman, Ph.D.
![Jason B. Fellman, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/jbfellman.jpg)
Director - Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center & Research Associate Professor of Environmental Science
View profile and contact infoEran Hood, Ph.D.
![Eran Hood, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/ewhood.jpg)
Professor of Environmental Science, Natural Sciences Department Chair
View profile and contact infoSonia A. Nagorski, Ph.D. (she/her)
![Sonia A. Nagorski, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/snagorski.jpg)
Associate Professor of Geology
My background is in environmental geochemistry, and my research has focused primarily on a variety of contaminants in aquatic systems. I teach classes on Earth's geologic history, physical geology, natural hazards, geomorphology, and mineral and energy resources and environmental impacts. At UAS I devote my efforts to training and inspiring undergraduates to work creatively and effectively in the environmental sciences, preparing them for meaningful careers that benefit the Earth and society.
Wendy K. Todd (she/her)
![Wendy K. Todd](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/Wendy Todd.jpeg)
Professor of Indigenous Studies & Occupational Endorsement
View profile and contact infoFisheries & Ocean Sciences, Fisheries Science
Michael O. Navarro, Ph.D.
![Michael O. Navarro, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/monavarro.jpg)
Associate Professor of Marine Fisheries
Dr. Michael Navarro is a biological and fisheries oceanographer, and studies chemical, physical, geological and human effects on coastal fishery species and food webs.
Mathematics
Brian Blitz
![Brian Blitz](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/bgblitz.jpg)
Professor of Mathematics, Faculty Senate President
He enjoys teaching all levels of mathematics courses. His areas of interest include geometry, graph theory and algebra.
Megan Buzby, Ph.D.
![Megan Buzby, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/mbuzby1.jpg)
Professor of Mathematics, Program Coordinator
She enjoys teaching a wide range of mathematics, probability, and statistics courses. Her areas of interest include probability modeling, error analysis, and interdisciplinary applications.
Jill Dumesnil, Ph.D.
![Jill Dumesnil, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/jadumesnil.jpg)
Professor of Mathematics
She particularly enjoys the opportunity to interact with students both in and out of the classroom. Her areas of interest include algebra and number theory.
Chris Hay-Jahans
![Chris Hay-Jahans](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/cnhayjahans.jpg)
Professor of Mathematics
He enjoys teaching any mathematics or statistics course. His areas of interest include applications of differential equations to geophysical fluid dynamics and other areas within the natural sciences.
Colleen Ianuzzi (she/her)
![Colleen Ianuzzi](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/clianuzzi.jpg)
Professor of Mathematics
Colleen has been teaching mathematics and statistics courses for the UAS Ketchikan Campus since 2006. She enjoys helping students succeed and gain confidence in math, and teaches a variety of courses up through first semester Calculus and elementary statistics.
Outside of academics, Colleen enjoys hiking, beachcombing, reading and trying new recipes.
Joe Liddle
![Joe Liddle](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/jbliddle.jpg)
Professor of Mathematics
He covers the majority of the UAS distance mathematics and statistics courses.
Andrzej Piotrowski
![Andrzej Piotrowski](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/apiotrowski.jpg)
Professor of Mathematics
Andrzej has been at UAS since 2008. He enjoys teaching all levels of mathematics courses. His areas of interest include real and complex analysis, theory of equations, and distribution of zeros of entire functions.
Professors Emeriti
Michael Stekoll, Ph.D.
![Michael Stekoll, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/msstekoll.jpg)
Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Emeritus
View profile and contact infoRoman Motyka, Ph.D.
![Roman Motyka, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/rjmotyka.jpg)
Research Professor Emeritus, Geophysical Institute, UAF
View profile and contact infoAffiliate Faculty
Arielle Halpern, Ph.D. (she/her)
![Arielle Halpern, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/aahalpern.jpg)
Affiliate Professor of Environmental Science
View profile and contact infoLogan Berner, Ph.D.
![Logan Berner, Ph.D.](https://uas.alaska.edu/dir/images/ltberner.jpg)
Affiliate Professor of Environmental Science