APU Nordic Ski Center’s Women’s group, led by the program’s coach, Sara Miller
International Women’s Day (IWD) was first observed in the U.S. in 1909, a year after 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights. Over the past century alone, great progress has been made toward gender equality around the world, though the deep-rooted challenges of patriarchy persist. IWD (March 8) is a global day for celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s “a global movement powered by the collective efforts of all.”
At Alaska Pacific University (APU), we strive to create an academic and work environment free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination—one that values diversity and celebrates individuality. It is a place where we recognize the power in our differences and our unique capabilities and perspectives. On this special day, APU proudly recognizes some of the remarkable women making a difference in our community. Keep reading to meet some!
Cassidy Gebhardt: Unraveling the Mysteries of Juvenile Chum Salmon Diet
Marine and Environmental Science Master’s Student
Cassidy Gebhardt is a second-year marine and environmental
science master’s student researching chum salmon at APU’s FAST Lab. She uses stable isotope analysis of salmon eye lens laminae—layers of fibrous protein, much like onion rings—to study the relationship between early life diet and body condition at marine entry. Cassie’s work, which represents a collaboration between APU’s FAST Lab and researchers at the NMFS’s Auke Bay Laboratory in Juneau, will provide key insights towards understanding how early diet influences juvenile salmon survival.
Eye lens stable isotope analysis is a relatively new method for studying lifelong dietary and geographic histories, emerging in the last 10-15 years. While it has been applied to various fish species and squid, its use has remained limited to studies with relatively small sample sizes, analyzing only a few lenses at a time. In the case of Pacific salmon, this technique has been used only once prior to this project, making Gebhardt’s research one of the first to apply it in this context.
With limited research on juvenile chum salmon diet and body condition, Gebhardt’s work is crucial. Over the last four decades, the average body size and population of chum salmon in Alaska have declined. These fish are central to Alaska’s traditional subsistence practices and economy, with commercial harvest valued at over $230 million annually.
Gebhardt’s passion for migratory animals began during an undergraduate ecology course. Originally on a pre-veterinary track, she shifted focus after a research project on how migrating species impact ecosystems.
“I’m here because I’m fascinated by migratory animals. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on a project about how animals moving through an ecosystem can influence it at every stage. That idea really stuck with me. What excites me most is understanding the full picture—examining each phase of a migratory animal’s life cycle and its broader impact on the environment.”
Outside the lab, Gebhardt enjoys crocheting, fishing, hiking, and recently picked up cross-stitching. After completing her master’s, she plans to continue research—whether in a professional setting or through a PhD program.
“As someone who has always wanted to do science, this feels like a dream,” she says.
Leah Corbin: Cultivating Community & Sustainability at Spring Creek Farm
Spring Creek Farm Manager
Leah Corbin’s journey in small-scale agriculture began during her undergraduate studies, where she majored in food systems with a concentration in ecological agriculture. Her passion for farming deepened through years of hands-on experience at various farms and even co-founding a small beef business. Alongside her partner, Corbin raised four calves to adulthood, selling them as beef—a formative experience that solidified her commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Corbin’s path to Spring Creek Farm began with a Facebook ad—a lucky discovery for both her and the APU community. Now entering her third season at the farm and second year as manager, Corbin has become an integral part of its success. Last year, she stepped into the manager role late in the season, navigating a steep learning curve.
“Every time I thought I’d figured something out, a new challenge would come up,” she recalls. Despite the unexpected transition, Corbin led the farm through a memorable CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) season, earning praise from customers and colleagues alike.
Spring Creek Farm is a unique place where students gain hands-on experience in small-scale, organic vegetable production. Interns learn through practice—growing subarctic-adapted crops, managing soil health, and engaging in sustainable farming methods. The farm’s produce supports APU’s dining services, a small CSA, and an on-site farmers’ market, while also contributing to Alaska Tilth, which distributes fresh, local food to those in need.
As a research farm, Spring Creek also provides space to experiment with new crops. This season, Corbin is excited to introduce garlic, romanesco, and sweet peppers to the farm’s offerings. The food produced—grown with care by Corbin and her interns—nourishes the community in more ways than one. CSA signups often overflow with supportive messages, like “The CSA is one of my favorite things about summer!”
For Corbin, small-scale farming is about more than growing food—it’s about building connections.
“I really enjoy directly connecting with the people who receive the food. Those conversations and moments of immediate feedback make the impact feel more tangible. Knowing that the food is making a positive difference in people’s lives is incredibly rewarding. There have even been times when, despite farming being my job, I’ve shown up simply because I love the work.”
Corbin’s passion, leadership, and dedication continue to uplift both the farm and the community it serves—one delicious vegetable at a time.
Andrea Andraschko: Champion of Experiential Learning and Workplace Empowerment
Assistant Professor of Business Admin, Health Occupation & Health Sciences
Andrea Andraschko’s educational journey began in a Quaker school, where experiential learning was fundamental.
Students could sit on desks, take classes outside, and move freely during lessons—an approach research has shown to enhance learning. She carries this philosophy into her own teaching by encouraging active participation, discussion, and hands-on case studies.
At APU, Andraschko plays a pivotal role in the MBA program. This year, she redesigned the MBA Health Services Administration concentration, tailoring it to address Alaska’s unique healthcare challenges. For instance, Alaska’s high population of seasonal fishermen often has health insurance only while working, leaving gaps in coverage during the off-season which disrupts continuity of care and challenges health systems. Andraschko carefully selected courses that would provide the most value to students, then designed the curriculum for each.
A prime example of her hands-on approach is the new Healthcare Strategic Management course she created in the fall. Many of her students are working professionals in executive leadership roles who reported immediate, real-world benefits from applying strategies learned in class. “It engages them even more,” she says, “because they’re not just learning impractical theory—they’re gaining practical, usable knowledge. To me, that’s what education is about.”
Beyond curriculum development, Andraschko recently delivered a presentation on workplace bullying and uncivil behavior. The idea originated from conversations with the student nursing association, as power dynamics are particularly pronounced in healthcare. However, her insights extend to all professional settings, offering guidance on how to navigate the workplace with confidence and professionalism.
Her presentation covered key topics such as recognizing workplace bullying, strategies for responding to and curbing negative behaviors, and proactive methods to “bully-proof” oneself. “It’s easy to advocate for someone else,” she notes, “but much harder to advocate for yourself.” With her guidance, professionals can develop effective strategies for standing up for themselves and fostering a respectful work environment.
A majority of Andraschko’s students are women, many of whom are working mothers balancing careers, households, and education. She highlights the unique strengths they bring to the classroom: dedication, resilience, and an incredible work ethic. Many are first-generation college students setting an example for their children.
“They bring a different perspective,” she says. “I see them as strong, dedicated women who are proving that higher education is possible—even while managing a family and a career.”
Women infuse both classrooms and workplaces with perseverance, compassion, and a drive for excellence—qualities that elevate any environment.
In her free time, Andraschko enjoys flying with her partner over the Alaskan tundra, capturing aerial photographs and scanning the horizon for other planes. She finds that flying gives her a different perspective on the world—something we could all benefit from. She also enjoys historical nonfiction and autobiographies, with a particular interest in World War II and impactful historical figures.
Jimel López Montoya: Fostering Connection and Learning at Kellogg FIELD School
Kellogg FIELD School Program Specialist
Born in Jiquilpan, Michoacán, Mexico, and raised in Baja, Jimel López Montoya developed a deep connection to the ocean and a love for the outdoors. She carries that same warmth and energy into her work, where her proactive nature and strong organizational skills have significantly enhanced Kellogg FIELD School (KFS) operations. “Her reliability, consistency, and collaborative spirit create a stable learning environment for students and staff,” says her supervisor, Shannon O’Laughlin.
As the KFS Program Specialist, Montoya ensures the smooth operation of the FIELD School program, balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on teaching. Whether managing logistics, leading summer school classes, or stepping in as a substitute teacher, she plays a key role in fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment.
Montoya always knew she wanted a career that kept her outdoors. Initially drawn to alternative tourism, she realized she wanted deeper connections with those she worked with, leading her to outdoor education. A National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) course ignited this shift, followed by an internship with Ecology Project International (EPI), where she gained hands-on experience in the U.S. EPI partners with APU’s Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education (MSOEE) program, allowing Montoya to transfer credits and graduate in 2020. She has since built extensive field experience, instructing NOLS sea kayaking courses while joining APU’s staff in 2022. Today, she continues to split her time between both educational roles.
For Montoya, outdoor education is about more than just recreation—it’s about access and representation. “Most of the knowledge in this field is held by people from the U.S. because outdoor recreation isn’t as culturally ingrained or accessible in Mexico,” she explains. “I wanted to get involved so I could share that knowledge and be a role model for women and people who look like me.”
She has witnessed firsthand how greater diversity in traditionally male-dominated spaces fosters inclusivity and collaboration. “When more women are present, people feel more comfortable being themselves, and the atmosphere becomes less competitive and more about sharing knowledge,” she says.
That culture of shared learning is central to the Kellogg FIELD School. “There’s an open exchange of knowledge here—from parents to kids, from kids to us, and among staff. Everyone is humble in what they know and eager to share,” Montoya says.
Parents are deeply engaged in the school, drawn to its place-based education model, where students learn about the environment through direct experience. Whether studying mammals like bears and caribou or plants like devil’s club and fireweed, the curriculum connects students to the land in meaningful ways. Montoya helps run a program that blends Indigenous knowledge with Western environmental science, inspiring children to create art, grow sustainable food, and explore the outdoors—just as she did as a child.
Dr. Dee Barker: Tackling Microplastics in Alaska
Associate Professor of Chemistry & Environmental Science
Microplastics are everywhere—from beauty products and cleaning supplies to the food we eat. Research suggests 
these tiny particles pose serious risks to reproductive, digestive, and respiratory health, with potential links to colon and lung cancer. A recent study estimates that Americans inhale and ingest between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles each year.
To address this growing concern in Alaska, where data is currently limited, Dr. Dee Barker is leading a team of researchers with the support of a $5 million NASA grant. Collaborating with APU’s Nate Anderson and Dr. Jason Geck, as well as Dr. Denise Thorsen of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Dr. Chris Ruff of the University of Michigan, and Shelly Moore of the Institute of Plastics Research in California, Barker aims to fill critical knowledge gaps in microplastic contamination.
Barker’s expertise in laser spectroscopy has been instrumental in advancing microplastic research. What began as a simple inquiry into bottled water has evolved into a multi-faceted project integrating microplastics identification, education, and mitigation.
Surprisingly, California is the only state with established microplastic restrictions and protocols. The California Water Board, in collaboration with 44 laboratories, developed a handbook for microplastic identification, which Barker is now applying in her research. However, she notes a significant gap in existing studies, “Most microplastic research doesn’t go the extra mile to identify plastics specifically. Researchers see particles and assume they are plastic, which raises awareness but also risks misinformation.”
Barker’s research is designed to address this issue with greater precision. The NASA grant has enabled her team to use advanced instrumentation capable of confirming microplastic composition and mapping their presence within biological tissue samples.
Barker’s work focuses on three primary objectives:
1. Accurate Microplastic Identification – Utilizing advanced spectroscopy to confirm plastic composition and eliminate false positives.
2. Tracking Microplastics via Remote Sensing – Monitoring microplastics on ocean surfaces as they migrate toward Alaska.
3. Assessing Microplastic Deposition in Water Systems – Investigating the types and concentrations of microplastics in key water sources, including traditional drinking water, urban and rural watersheds, glaciers, coastal waterways, and high-altitude environments.
A core component of this research is education and student involvement. The project’s long-term vision is to establish a Microplastics Research and Education Center, engaging students and community members in addressing this pressing environmental issue—one that disproportionately affects Arctic communities.
This initiative offers APU students in the Marine and Environmental Sciences program opportunities for internships, tuition stipends, and funded research projects in collaboration with NASA scientists and researchers from Alaska and the University of Michigan. The program also extends to younger students through the APU Tumyaraa Bridge Program, which connects them with NASA scientists for hands-on research.
Reflecting on the students’ enthusiasm, Barker shares, “It was thrilling to see how excited they were working with microscopes, filtering water, and identifying microplastic particles under fluorescent tags.”
Alaska plays a pivotal role in global microplastic research. Due to ocean currents, plastics from around the world eventually accumulate in Arctic waters. As sea ice forms, floating plastics become trapped within it, continuously building up over time. When the ice melts, microplastics are released, further contributing to environmental contamination.
Barker also reflects on the collaborative nature of her work, particularly in contrast to traditional scientific environments, “I’ve noticed that women in science tend to focus on listening and troubleshooting problems collaboratively, whereas competitive dynamics are often more prominent in male-dominated fields. My experience at APU has been refreshingly supportive.”
Through her leadership, Barker is not only advancing microplastic research but also fostering an inclusive and collaborative scientific community—one that empowers students and contributes to meaningful environmental solutions.
A call for uplifting women’s voices
At APU, we celebrate the incredible women—faculty, staff, students, and program partners—who inspire, lead, and shape our community every day. The women highlighted here are just a few of the many whose dedication and creativity enrich our campus and beyond. Thank you to everyone who makes our University such a special place; let’s continue working together to accelerate gender equality and opportunity!
“The basic belief of feminism is not that women are right and men are wrong; It is merely that women are people and therefor their voices matter, their values matter and their stories matter. It’s time for women to tell their versions of what it means to be fully human. It is time for men to respect those insights and it is time for all of us to integrate them into a new story of power.” ― Elizabeth Lesser, Cassandra Speaks: When Women Are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes
