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Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kimberly Kivvaq Pikok and I am an Iñupiaq fisher from Utqiaġvik, Alaska. I am the granddaughter of Tommy Nipik and Rhoda Kivvaq Pikok. I come from a fishing family that loves to spend time inland hunting and camping. I enjoy camping and fishing at Pikok Camp, learning about Arctic vegetation, and traveling to different places to learn about different communities, ecology, wildlife, and culture. I graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology and I am now a graduate student at UAF in the Interdisciplinary Studies program with Tamamta researching Utqiaġvik’s seasonal changes in spring whaling by centering local hunter and whaler observations and knowledge from the Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub database (AAOKH), conducting interviews, and using community-based research methods. I am always full of excitement, laughter, and smiles especially if I can teach people about camping, Arctic plants and animals.
What doors has UAF opened for you?
UAF has opened so many doors for me. UAF inspired me to get involved in research and wildlife management processes and learn more about my home's environment by taking Arctic vegetation and Arctic ecology classes here at UAF. I am now a graduate student at UAF with the Tamamta Fellowship Program and I am a graduate student researcher for the Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub at the International Arctic Research Center.
What internships have you done?
North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management College Intern, Inuit Circumpolar Council Alaska, Haskell Environmental Research Studies Program
What extra curricular activities are you involved with and why are they important to you?
I was previously an RA at Eileen's House and recently started the RD position. I love being able to connect with other students from my region. I am a part of a few leadership programs outside of UAF where I am able to learn about other cultures, places, landscapes, and how we all relate to one another even though we may come from different parts of the world. These activities/programs are important to me because it is important to learn from others and build relationships and connections with others. It is an opportunity to explore the world around me while finding ways on how they relate to what is happening at home.
What motivates you to do well at UAF?
Being able to go back home every summer and apply what I learned during my summer internship at the North Slope Borough.
What are some of the challenges you've faced as a student at UAF and how have you overcome them?
I used to be so shy and scared when I first started at UAF and it was difficult being in a degree program with students from all over the United States. I overcame these obstacles by joining extracurriculars and finding my friend group. My friends encouraged each other to get out of our comfort zone and start to do things that scared us. When you are surrounded by the right group of people, you are able to dream big and accomplish your goals together. They were my motivation and courage to get through these challenges I faced.
Do you have any advice for your fellow students?
Don't be scared to try new things and explore! There is so much to learn about and so many people to connect with. The things you learn outside of classes can be applicable to your studies, career, and everyday life. The knowledge you have and the knowledge you gain no matter where it came from is valid, impactful, and applicable! Keep learning and growing.
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