Current Projects:

1. Ionizing Radiation Sources:

The purpose of the project is to compare observed gamma radiation spikes with various possible sources. Student interns download radiological data from the Fairbanks tower. The data is imported into matlab for filtering and analyzing. Currently, the radiation spikes are compared to long and short wave x-rays retried via the internet from NOAA. The project introduces students to the program Matlab and enables them to research various sources of radiation.

2. Lichen Radionuclide Baseline Research:

The purpose of the project is to determine current concentrations of various radionuclides in lichen and monitor them. The data will be used in conjunction with published data to determine caribou bioaccumulation. Conducting research is a requirement for many students within their degree program. By working on this project, students are not only able to meet this requirement but more importantly learn how to plan and approach problems scientifically.

3. Sensor Rotation:

Sensor rotations occur each summer on the NEWNET towers in Alaska. Larry Sanders (LANL) will be conducting station manager training for the towers, June 27-28 in Kotzebue and July 2-3 in Fairbanks. Newly calibrated sensors are shipped from LANL to each of the six sites for rotation. The sensors are anemometer (wind speed), wind vane, hygrometer (relative humidity), barometric pressure, and gamma radiation (PIC - pressurized ionization chamber).