Fellow spotlight: Maddi McArthur
Alaska Sea Grant State Fellow Maddi McArthur works at the Alaska Center for Energy and Power in the Coastal Mapping Technical Center of Excellence. This research group works closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who conduct topobathymetric lidar surveys across the state to produce 3D bathymetry and surface elevation data in and around shallow coastal waters. This “topobathy” lidar data has a variety of uses that make it essential for coastal planning. Data uses include flood modeling, tracking shoreline erosion, improving nearshore navigation, and the development of marine infrastructure.
The main goals of the coastal mapping research group are to improve the data products that come from topobathy lidar data, promote and connect this data to Alaskans as well as enhance the accessibility and usability of this data for Alaska communities. As a fellow, McArthur has been learning the ins-and-outs of these specialized surveys. She is learning how to process topobathy data, conducting research on the use of bathymetry and topobathymetry data and products in coastal mapping and management, as well as creating informational materials for the general public and official audiences. She has also been helping to organize an upcoming community workshop in Unalakleet centered around topobathy data.
“The workshop is an opportunity to bring together different Alaskan communities who may find this data useful and connect them with professionals who collect it and create products from it,” McArthur explained. “We’re really excited to raise people’s awareness about this data, get their feedback on our data collection efforts, and discuss what kinds of topobathy-based data products they’d be the most interested in receiving from us.”
McArthur is originally from Oregon and received her bachelor’s degree in zoology from Oregon State University in 2021. Upon graduating, she moved to Alaska to pursue her master’s degree and is a recent graduate of UAF’s marine biology program.
“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity this fellowship has provided me to learn new research skills, collaborate with professionals in this field and contribute to work that has such a direct value to Alaskan communities,” McArthur shared. “I’m looking forward to what the rest of my year here has in store.”