Interface of Change community updates workshop part of inaugural Cordova Science Gathering
This month, the Interface of Change project was invited to participate in the first Cordova Science Gathering.
The Cordova Science Gathering is a local event organized by the Native Village of Eyak, Prince William Sound Science Center, Chugach Regional Resources Commission, and other regional partners. The event offers an opportunity for Cordovans of all-ages to gain a deeper understanding of the research and monitoring efforts happening in the area and features local artists and performers. Presenters were encouraged to take a community-centered approach to foster dialogue between researchers and residents to co-create knowledge.
Tommy Sheridan, Cathy Renfeldt, Matt Piché, Krysta Williams, and Erik Schoen gave updates on the Interface of Change project as one of the Cordova Science Gathering workshops.
Tommy Sheridan began the workshop with an overarching update on project activities to date, with a focus on research and other activities taking place in Cordova and the surrounding area.
Next, UAF fisheries expert Erik Schoen provided an overview of fish research taking place throughout the project's geography. Native Village of Eyak fishery biologist and UAF PhD student Matt Piché presented on their salmon research on the Copper River and elsewhere in Prince William Sound. Piché later gave two other separate presentations representing the Native Village of Eyak and their more than 25 years of Tribal-led salmon monitoring in the Copper River and Prince William Sound.
Cordova Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Interface of Change Entrepreneur In Residence (EIR) Cathy Renfeldt then spoke with the audience about the Regenerative Impact Studio Exchange.
Local middle and high school teacher Krysta Williams then described their work with project researcher Micah Hahn on the “Through our Eyes” participatory photo project that is a part of Interface of Change. Micah, Krysta, and local students are using photography and storytelling to understand how and why wild foods are important to Cordova youth, highlight their concerns about the future of wild foods and environmental change, and to share their perspectives with the local community and beyond to support planning and action.
Tommy Sheridan later gave a presentation on 91ֱScience Olympiad and Teaching Through Technology (T3) programs, and how they are leveraging support for STEM engagement and learning opportunities for Cordova middle and high school students.
Overall, the gathering was a fun event with an impressive turn-out with lively engagement for a sunny Friday in Cordova! Interface of Change is grateful to Cordova Chamber of Commerce and the Prince William Sound Science Center for this opportunity to engage with the community, and the team looks forward to contributing to future Cordova Science Gatherings.
crafted visual notes for the 2026 Cordova Science Gathering. Above are her notes for the "Updates on the NSF EPSCoR Interface of Change project" session, with likenesses captured of Krysta Williams, Tommy Sheridan, Erik Schoen, and Cathy Renfeldt.