Visitors from China study permafrost, invite collaborations

Attendees at the Aug. 4 gathering.

After 10 days on the road between Fairbanks and Deadhorse studying soils affected by permafrost, special guests from China were feted at a breakfast party Aug. 4.

Led by Dr. Chien-Lu Ping, the field course attracted 31 students this summer for hands-on experiences along the Elliot and Dalton Highways for the purpose of reviewing soil-forming factors of the subarctic and arctic regions of Alaska.

The eight visitors from China were doctoral students and professors who had a connection to Dr. Ping. “There are many possibilities for collaboration and exchange,” Ping said. He thanked the travelers for their enthusiasm and for making the long journey. “I hope we continue to collaborate and network; that will enrich our university.

“There are tremendous opportunities for students to compare the boreal forest and permafrost environments. The opportunities are wide open.”

Paul Layer, dean of the UAF College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, said, “You saw what a beautiful, natural laboratory Alaska is. I’m glad you had the opportunity to go to the North Slope and glad you had a successful course.”

Mark Myers, vice chancellor for research, said he was delighted the group got to make the transect from Fairbanks to the Arctic Ocean. “The university studies the arctic as a system from the high atmosphere to the mantle.

“I hope that as you found the soil pits you had the chance to look at the flowers and mountains.” Myers said he looks forward to research collaborations between UAF and the Chinese guests.

Huijun Jin, professor of arctic engineering, said, “I hope from this moment on that we have cooperative scientific research.”

Carol Lewis, dean of the School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences and director of the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, hosted the event. She reminded the attendees that there are opportunities for UAF to send students to China, as well as welcome them here.

Donna Anger, director of UAF International Programs & Initiatives, said UAF has 250 to 350 international students and researcher from 50 countries, and reminded everyone that UAF participates in the University of the Arctic, a 100-institution organization.

“This was a rare opportunity for our Chinese students,” said Cuicui Mu, doctoral student studying permafrost. “I learned so much from this journey. Chien-Lu’s teaching was so good and I appreciate it so much. I hope more Chinese students will come.”

“Awesome” was the word Xiaodong Wu, assistant professor of Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences. “I was very impressed by the format; it was very different,” he said. “There are huge storages of carbon in the soil and the vegetation is very different.”

Dr. Carol Lewis receives a gift from Huijun Jin.