Udawalpola, M.R., A. Hasan, A. Liljedahl, A. Soliman, J. Terstriep, and C. Witharana, 2022: An Optimal GeoAI Workflow for Pan-Arctic Permafrost Feature Detection from High-Resolution Satellite Imagery, Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, 88(3):181-188, https://doi.org/10.14358/PERS.21-00059R2

Perera, A.S., C. Witharana, E. Manos, and A.K. Liljedahl, 2024: Hyperparameter Optimization for Large-Scale Remote Sensing Image Analysis Tasks: A Case Study Based on Permafrost Landform Detection Using Deep Learning, IEEE Access, 12, https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3379142

Manos, E., C. Witharana, and A.K. Liljedahl, 2025: Permafrost thaw-related infrastructure damage costs in Alaska are projected to double under medium and high emission scenarios, Communications Earth & Environment, 6(221), https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02191-7 

Liljedahl, A.K., C. Witharana, and E. Manos, 2024: The capillaries of the Arctic tundra, Nature Water, 2:611-614, https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-024-00276-9 

FILR CWG Mini-series Episode 1

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The Fostering Indigenous-led Research (FILR) Convergence Working Group (CWG) is one of three Convergence Working Groups that the NNA-CO supported from June 2023 to May 2025. Each group had experienced co-leads as well as early career co-leads. The FILR group focused on what Indigenous-led research is now, what it can look like, and next steps to creating research that is Indigenous-led.

Yes, for those that live outside of Anchorage, travel support will be provided, along with accommodation in Anchorage, and a small stipend for food. 

Yes, you will receive a stipend of $1200 and 1-graduate credit from CU Boulder. 

Please upload your unofficial transcript(s) from your community college or University to the online application. Screenshots are accepted. If you have issues with uploading, please email it to nna-reu@colorado.edu. 

All applicants who are accepted into the program will need to provide an official transcript from their current college.

We utilize the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP) which will have two different parts. The first part of the application will ask questions including: personal information, demographic information, information about your family, information about your educational history* and current education information, and your experience*. The second part of the application will include questions regarding open-ended questions such as: 

  • Please briefly explain how and why you feel this program will benefit you and impact your future professional life (200 words or less).
  • Please briefly explain how what you learn and gain from this program will benefit your Alaskan community and/or communities of the Arctic (200 words or less).
  • Please tell us why you became interested in learning more about the natural world. How have you pursued this interest? (200 words or less)
  • In reflecting on your own past experiences, what have you learned that will help you contribute to an inclusive and supportive environment in this program and beyond? Please provide specific examples demonstrating how you have contributed to inclusive environments. (200 words or less)
  • NNA research focuses on the interactions and connections among natural and built environments and social systems in the Arctic and the understanding of the rapid changes occurring in response to a changing climate. These research projects address community priorities and are grounded in an understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems. In the context of this focus, please describe what you hope to learn, AND share any unique perspectives and skills you would bring to this program. (300 words or less)
  • Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Progress in your application can be saved, but we suggest you write your responses to the background questions in a separate Word document to check for spelling and grammar and then copy and paste them into the application when you are ready. It is very important to be thoughtful in writing your responses to provide a window into yourself and your motivations for applying to this program.

*Questions regarding SAT/ACT/GRE and experience in previous REU's is optional and will not be used in our selection process.  

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