President Donald Trump’s appointment of Alaska’s Gov. Mike Dunleavy to a federal research commission has drawn scrutiny over whether the governor meets his seat’s academic and research qualifications, even as his staff cites his executive experience as sufficient.
JUNEAU, Alaska - President Donald Trump’s appointment of Alaska’s Gov. Mike Dunleavy to a federal research commission has drawn scrutiny over whether the governor meets the seat’s academic and research qualifications as his staff cite his executive experience as sufficient.
last week. “I think the next step is going to be — for us, I hope, on the Arctic Commission — is how do we rationalize this so that policy makers, investors, understand the best approach to produce and build this infrastructure?”, the commission Dunleavy was appointed to, is an independent federal research agency created to “recommend national Arctic research policy and priorities and to help coordinate the federal government’s Arctic research activities,” the press release: four members are from academic or research institutions, two are from private industry undertaking commercial activities in the Arctic, one member represents the Indigenous residents of the Arctic and the final, non-voting, member is the Director of the National Science Foundation. For the role the governor is filling, that seat is filled by people “from academic or other research institutions with expertise in areas of research relating to the Arctic, including the physical, biological, health, environmental, social, and behavioral sciences,” according to theDunleavy earned a teacher’s certificate and received a master’s in education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He spent nearly two decades in northwest Arctic communities working as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, as well as owned an educational consulting firm and worked on several statewide education projects. Dunleavy spokesperson Jeff Turner said his oversight over state agencies “directly involved in Arctic research” is why he is eligible for the position. “The Alaska Department of Fish & Game, which for example conducts extensive biological research through programs like the Arctic Marine Mammal Program,” Turner said in a statement. “The governor also appoints Alaskans of the UA Board of Regents. The university, which is part of the state government, has numerous Arctic research programs at UAF.” “Governor Dunleavy brings extensive experience working on issues affecting Alaska’s Arctic communities, including economic development, infrastructure, responsible resource development, and community resilience,” the commission. “As Governor of the nation’s only Arctic state, he has been closely engaged in many of the issues that shape U.S. Arctic priorities.”, a Koyukon Athabascan scholar and policy expert who holds a PhD in neuroscience from the University of California San Diego. Carlo previously served as senior advisor for climate and Arctic policy to the Governor of Alaska and as a senior advisor at the U.S. State Department during the U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council. She now works as a consultant to “advance community-based solutions to climate change.” Her term was terminated March 18, 2026. Alaska’s News Source reached out to Carlo for comment Monday afternoon. As of publication, comment has not been returned.announcing Dunleavy’s appointment “Governor Dunleavy’s perspective and experience will make an invaluable contribution to the Commission’s work advising the President and Congress on Arctic research priorities and advancing collaboration across the federal government, the State of Alaska, Arctic communities and international partners.”U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, questioned the governor’s appointment at an Arctic Encounter Summit press conference Friday, saying she believed the vacancy was the Indigenous seat on the commission. Commission records show that seat has been “I’m a little bit surprised at the appointment only because it was my understanding that the vacancy on the commission was an Indigenous person’s seat,” Murkowski said. “I’m not sure which seat the appointment may be made to, so we’ll learn a little bit more about that.”, vice president of lands for NANA Regional Corporation and former USARC Commissioner whose term was terminated in November of last year, was the Indigenous seat. Cravalho’s term was terminated about four months before Carlo’s. When asked if Murkowski does or does not approve of the governor’s role filling a research seat on the commission, a spokesperson for Murkowski said she “has no role in approving USARC membership.”Security guard shoots, kills man in wheelchair who tried to get into birthday party at banquet hallAnchorage mother drives national push to prevent fentanyl deathsDespite decreasing national fuel prices, Murkowski warns rural Alaska may still pay higher fuel costs from initial price hikes
US Arctic Research Commission Anchorage Arctic Encounter Summit Arctic Security Arctic Research Alaska Governor AKGOV USARC Jeff Turner Nikoosh Carlo David Kennedy Larry Mayer Jacqueline Richter-Menge Thomas Dans Lisa Murkowski Deborah Vo
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump signs bill extending controversial surveillance powers until April 30President Donald Trump has signed a bill extending a controversial surveillance program until April 30.
Read more »
President Donald Trump Plans to Recite Bible Verse During Marathon Reading After Pope Leo XIV FeudPresident Donald Trump is set to participate in ‘America Reads the Bible’ on Tuesday, April 21
Read more »
Nancy Sinatra Slams Donald Trump for Sharing Clip of Frank Sinatra Singing ‘My Way’: ‘A Sacrilege’Nancy Sinatra slams President Donald Trump for sharing a clip of her dad, Frank Sinatra, singing 'My Way' amid concern about the post
Read more »
Trump Approval Hits New Low as Young Republicans Break Away Over EconomyPresident Donald Trump has faced a significant slide in support throughout the Iran war.
Read more »
California-based warship attacks and seizes Iranian-flagged cargo vessel trying to evade naval blockadePresident Donald Trump praised the USS Spruance for its quick action at sea.
Read more »
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is leaving Trump’s Cabinet after abuse of power allegationsLabor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is out of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet.
Read more »