News Release

Dr. Raime Amaguq Fronstin Honored with Alaska Regional Award for Natural Resource Research

Dr. Fonstin setting up a timelapse camera on the tundra for the wolf den study.

NPS Photo / Emily Creek

News Release Date: April 1, 2025

Contact: Jon Nicholson, 907-442-8307

Kotzebue, AK – The National Park Service proudly announces that Dr. Raime Amaguq Fronstin has been awarded the Alaska Region’s Award for Natural Resource Research. 

As the Wildlife Biologist for Western Arctic National Parklands, Dr. Fronstin’s pilot research project, "Evaluating the Feasibility of Mixed DNA Sampling to Obtain Wolf Population Demographics in Northwest Alaska," was developed in direct response to decades of concerns from the Subsistence Resource Commissions (SRCs) of Kobuk Valley National Park and Cape Krusenstern National Monument. With the Western Arctic Caribou Herd (WACH) in decline, questions about wolf behavior and its potential impacts have remained unanswered. This project was designed to fill key knowledge gaps about wolves in Northwest Alaska, where research is often difficult and costly. 

Securing funding for the expanded research set to begin in 2026 was a significant achievement, particularly given the logistical challenges of studying wolves in such a vast and remote region. Already, early findings from the pilot study are expanding our understanding of wolf populations and dynamics in NW Alaska. As discussions around predator management intensify, this research will provide critical, science-based information for decision-makers within NPS and the Federal Subsistence Board. Additionally, this study demonstrates the potential of mixed DNA sampling as a tool for gathering new insights into wolf populations in remote landscapes. 

Dr. Fronstin has prioritized community engagement throughout the research process, ensuring that local knowledge and perspectives remain central to the work. He has presented regularly at SRC meetings, hosted research presentations for the Kotzebue community, and shared updates via KOTZ radio. His next goal is to secure funding for a citizen science initiative that would empower local youth and hunters to gather samples, expanding the study’s reach while incorporating Indigenous knowledge about wolf movements and behavior. 

By directly responding to SRC recommendations and applying innovative research methods, Dr. Fronstin exemplifies the power of collaborative, community-centered science. His dedication and long-term vision contribute to a better understanding of wolves in Northwest Alaska, providing valuable information for future conservation and management efforts. 

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