NRT: Systems Approaches to Understanding and Navigating the New Arctic
Arctic Systems Science
The National Science Foundation has sponsored UMaine’s SAUNNA National Research Traineeship (NRT). This traineeship is focused on socio-environmental changes in the Arctic and the resulting challenges and aims to develop an understanding of, and skills related to the pursuit of improved outcomes in the new Arctic. This program is seeking PhD, Masters, and JD/JS students in anthropology, earth sciences, freshwater ecology, economics, law, and marine sciences to conduct interdisciplinary research related to study systems in Greenland, the Arctic-North Atlantic, and Maine. All students will have the opportunity to travel to the Arctic for program related research and activities. The most recent field experience was held in Southwest Greenland.
Focus Areas
- Polar biophysical research
- Cross-cultural perspectives and integration of knowledge systems (including traditional ecological knowledge)
- Arctic law and policy
- Socio-environmental systems research
Trainees Will Work To
- Advance general understanding of Arctic and Sub-Arctic changes and their local and global effects
- Conduct solutions-driven research focusing on socio-environmental systems and their dynamics
- Apply models, theories, and visualization tools to integrate systems while providing transparent access to data and interpretations
- Develop cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives on emerging environmental, economic, and cultural issues
- Develop and conduct collaborative research with diverse stakeholders to foster resilience in the Arctic
- Inform future Arctic policy
- Communicate results to different audiences effectively and rapidly
