Joanna Young

Dr. Joanna Young is an interdisciplinary scientist and educator whose work lies at the intersection of Earth science, environmental education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and the outdoors. Dr. Young earned a PhD and Masters in Geophysics with a focus in Glaciology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and is currently a Research Associate at the International Arctic Research Center. Dr. Young’s research has focused broadly on how Alaska’s glaciers are losing mass in climate change and impacting downstream hydrology, changes that have repercussions for socio-ecological system elements as broad as terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem health, downstream infrastructure, and community freshwater availability.

In addition, Dr. Young also serves as the Director of Inspiring Girls* Expeditions Alaska, a science education program of the International Arctic Research Center that offers unique, tuition-free, backcountry expeditions that combine science, art, and outdoor exploration. The expeditions welcome participants with gender identities marginalized in science and the outdoors, and build teams with a diversity of geographic, cultural, socioeconomic, and family backgrounds. Dr. Young co-founded the flagship UAF glacier-based expedition Girls* on Ice Alaska, and has to date published two peer-reviewed articles on successful aspects and outcomes of the expeditions.  

Some of Dr. Young’s recent projects include serving as an e Scientist-in-Residency Fellow at the Sitka Sound Science Center, content expert behind the Juneau Composers Consortium 'Climate Soundscapes' project, and participant in the inaugural Homeward Bound leadership expedition for global women in science. Altogether, Joanna's work has the unifying goal of using research and education as vehicles for social justice and inclusion towards environmental sustainability. Her work has earned her the 2022 Alaska Conservation Foundation’s Jerry S. Dixon award for Excellence in Environmental Education. 

Growing up, Dr. Young spent her childhood summers in an off-road cabin in Ontario, Canada, which sparked her fascination and deep love for the natural world. She now lives in Fairbanks, Alaska with her husband and two young children, and spends her free time with her family exploring the woods or mountains by foot, ski, or boat.