PWSC helps Drive STEM Success at 2026 Alaska Science Olympiad

As the state-level gateway to the prestigious National Science Olympiad, the Alaska Science Olympiad brings together students to compete in challenging STEM events. Hosted at the University of Alaska Fairbanks since 2023, the 2026 event included Valdez students for the first time, alongside returning Cordova teams—both making the most of PWSC’s support as they worked toward a spot on the national stage.

A Mariculture Masterclass

PWSC stood out in the mariculture event, an Olympiad discipline developed by Assistant Professor Dr. Amanda Glazier. This year, ABEC Director Tommy Sheridan led the event, ensuring students had the necessary materials and support.

This hands-on approach continued at the Seaweed Identification Station, where students worked with kelp collected by Sheridan and Sean Den Adel while learning about research shaping the field.

That included:

* A presentation from UAF graduate student Jessica McKay on kelp-integrated concrete
* Work from Dr. Erin Oliver on kelp fertilization, which also featured research by PWSC student intern Brittany Kuzma
* Support from Martina Gerasch, who traveled to Fairbanks to help develop and run the event

GMS: A Strong First Showing

The connection between PWSC and Valdez’s Gilson Middle School (GMS) became clear at the event. Glazier and Sheridan introduced the program to teacher Blair Bailey—an alum of PWSC’s Marine Ecology & Mariculture 4-Teachers—who led a motivated group of first-time competitors.

With mentorship from PWSC Marine Natural Resources Technology student Dominique Cox, GMS students turned preparation into results:

* Five 1st-place finishes (including Mariculture)
* Four 2nd-place finishes
* Two 3rd-place finishes
* 2nd overall out of 12 teams statewide

Cordova Continues to Shine

Cordova’s Science Olympiad team also excelled, with support from PWSC and T3 coaches Tommy Sheridan and Cathy Renfeldt.

They earned:

* Gold in Anatomy & Physiology
* Gold in Water Quality
* Silver in Disease Detectives

Through leaders like Tommy Sheridan and the technical expertise of PWSC staff and students, local middle schoolers are gaining authentic, hands-on science experience—and seeing what a future in Mariculture could look like.