I am investigating the size and age of Pacific Razor Clams on Ninilichik Beach, AK. My field work, conducted in the spring, consists of hand digging individual clams. By studying age and growth rates of individuals, I will design a model estimating the expected size for the succeeding harvest season. Because my results are likely…
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Changes in size-at-age of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolopis) and its relation to diet composition in the Cook Inlet, Alaska.
Since the late 1970s halibut growth rates have decreased in the Gulf of Alaska. The primary goal of this study is to determine if the trend in decreased growth rates is continuing in the Homer area of the Cook Inlet. The reason for this decrease is presently unknown, though may be correlated to changes in…
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Migrating Pacific Salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), Relative to Tide, Temperature, and Time of Day.
This project is a collaboration with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, who uses dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) to enumerate sockeye, chum, and Chinook salmon in the Nushagak River, Alaska. My MSES thesis uses Nushagak DIDSON recordings in conjunction with tide, temperature, and light intensity data in order to determine how local environmental conditions…
Expedition Mountaineering
APU Outdoor Studies department Expedition Mountaineering course spent three weeks on Ruth Glacier during the May Block of 2011. This upper level expedition experienced 14 straight days of sunshine and no real storms at all, unbelievable conditions for the Alaska Range! Ten students kept busy learning about glacier travel, steep snow climbing, ice climbing, alpine…
Death Valley
Alaska Pacific University’s unique semester model allows for students to enroll in one, hands on class for up to four weeks of experiential learning. Earth Science faculty Michael Loso and Amanda Booth led the first-ever field geology course in the Death Valley region of California during the January Block of 2011. Michael, Amanda, and ten…
Malawi, Africa
Nine APU students, one instructor, a nurse and a graduate teaching assistant journeyed to Malawi Africa for a course called “Community Psychology in Action: Malawi Africa.” Community Psychology explores the relationship of the individual to communities and the wider society. The goal of community psychology is to enhance the quality of life through collaborative action…
Mossel Bay, South Africa
By: Chris Pavadore The senior project required of all APU undergraduates offers students a chance to synthesize years of education in an informative, directed study. The most exciting aspect of this project is that there are no limits as to what can be accomplished. As a senior in the marine biology program, I was interested…
Ninilchik Beach Razor Clam Study
MAR 224 Marine Field Work On November 17, 2010 thousands of Pacific Razor Clams were found dead on Ninilchik beach. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game speculated that a winter storm might have washed the clams up causing the die off. Working under a cooperative agreement between APU Marine Biology Professor Brad Harris and…
Affordability and quality at Alaska’s only private baccalaureate liberal arts university
Only 22% of Americans agree that “college costs in general are such that most people are able to afford to pay for a college education.” (Pew Research Center) APU provides Alaskans with a quality, private liberal arts educational experience for an average net price of $15,000 per year (that’s the same price Alaskans pay for…
APU Nordic Ski Center
On Excellence When it comes to excellence, the APU Nordic Ski Club has by all measures achieved it. It is considered to be the most successful regional Nordic Ski Club in the U.S, the one that other regional ski programs look to emulate. In 2011 the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) the national governing…
