Project Spotlight: Melissa Uselman – Developing Data Nuggets for Alaskan Mariculture

Dr. Melissa Uselman (Kjelvik) is leading an innovative educational project that merges her experience in Alaska marine sciences through PWSC with her background in curriculum development.

The project, funded by the EPSCoR Interface of Change program, focuses on creating “Data Nuggets”—short, interactive activities featuring a scientist, their research, and a small dataset that students can use to explore scientific questions. The project highlights stories from Alaska’s mariculture industry and provides place-based learning opportunities for students across the state.

The project has two phases. In the first, Melissa is developing the Data Nugget materials, featuring case studies such as research on effective kelp-farming methods led by the Native Village of Eyak and oyster-farm monitoring by the college. These activities give students the chance to engage with authentic scientific data, explore research questions, and learn about the practical challenges and opportunities within Alaska’s growing mariculture industry.

In the second phase, planned for spring, Melissa will hold short professional development workshops for teachers in districts of coastal communities, such as Cordova, Seward, and Valdez. These sessions will introduce educators to the Data Nuggets and the local research efforts to help them feel confident using the activities with their students.

Once completed, the activities will be published on the Data Nuggets website, reaching both Alaskan audiences and educators worldwide through the Data Nugget educator network.