The Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center names new Co-Director, Kristin Timm

The new University Co-Director of the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center is Kristin Timm. Timm is stepping up from her position on the Alaska CASC management team and has been involved with the organization since 2012.

“Kristin’s work and leadership has made a significant impact on the evolution of the CASC over the last decade,” says Scott Rupp, University Director of the Alaska CASC and a leader of the program since its inception in 2010. Timm will join Rupp as University Co-Directors.

Timm started with the Alaska CASC as a graduate student research assistant while completing her Master’s degree in Science Communication at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. After graduation, Timm continued to work closely with CASC researchers in her role as Science Communicator, and later Science Communication Lead, overseeing communication efforts for the Alaska CASC, the Scenarios Network for Alaska and Arctic Planning, and the International Arctic Research Center. 

She went on to complete a PhD in Communication from George Mason University where she worked with the Center for Climate Change Communication. 

Returning to Fairbanks and the Alaska CASC, Timm worked as a postdoctoral researcher before becoming a co-investigator and research assistant professor, where she has been developing a new framework to support researchers in communicating and generating more actionable science. Timm is a nationally recognized scientist in science communication and the co-production of knowledge, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and appointments to national committees. 

“It’s an honor to step into this new role with an organization that has shaped so much of my career. The Alaska CASC has always been about doing science differently, in ways that center partnerships, utility, and research impact. I’m excited to lead the center and support research that contributes to climate change adaptation across Alaska,” says Timm. 

Thanks to Timm’s leadership and efforts, the Alaska CASC stands at the forefront of science and climate communication, and Timm continues to build capacity for this work through the training of the next generation of communicators and scientists. Timm mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers and has created an innovative new Communicating Science Internship, allowing a pathway for students to enter the emerging science communication field.

“I am really excited to see us move toward a shared leadership structure,” says Rupp. “Kristin is the perfect fit and I look forward to guiding the Alaska CASC’s future with her.”