A Trail of Science Stories

Ned Rozell, who spent three decades writing about Alaska’s science for the university’s forum, rode a 515‑mile bike trip from Fairbanks to Unalakleet before he retired. During the ride, he was honored with three awards: the Edith Bullock Prize from the University of Alaska Foundation, the Roger Smith Lifetime Achievement Award from the Geophysical Institute, and he was named an emeritus professor. On May 1 he stepped down from the institute after publishing more than 1, 500 science pieces in a weekly column. When friends and colleagues celebrated his farewell, he joked that the long ride was a welcome escape from the daily grind. People who knew Ned rarely called him outgoing, yet his writing made complex Arctic science accessible to ordinary readers. Scientists across Alaska trusted him to translate their research into engaging stories that kept the public informed and inspired.A fellow glaciologist, Martin Truffer, praised Ned’s ability to reach a wide audience without sacrificing accuracy. A local journalist, Mike Powers, said the column had deepened residents’ appreciation for Alaska’s natural wonders and highlighted why the state is a great place to live. The column began in 1976, started by geophysicist Neil Davis and historian Claus‑M. Naske over coffee in the Elvey Building. They wanted scientists to share short, non‑technical stories with newspapers, improving public understanding of environmental science. Later writers, like Carla Helfferich, felt nervous about the transition to Ned in 1994. She soon realized he was just as engaging, asking researchers about their work and bringing clarity to the field. Ned’s legacy is a bridge between science and everyday life, helping people see how research affects their world. As he embarks on a new chapter without deadlines, readers will still hear his curious question: “What are you doing? ”