Sitka Sound Science Center Welcomes New Executive Director with Focus on Indigenous Partnerships

The Sitka Sound Science Center is riding a wave of new energy with the recent appointment of Arleigh Reynolds as Executive Director. Taking the helm after Lisa Busch’s well-deserved retirement, Reynolds brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the beloved institution.

For those unfamiliar (gasp!), the Science Center is a hub of scientific research and education nestled in the heart of Sitka, Alaska. It’s the kinda place where you can oggle colossal whale skeletons one minute and find yourself knee-deep in a salmon stream with a gaggle of enthusiastic school kids the next. Yeah, it’s pretty awesome.

But Reynolds isn’t exactly a stranger to the Center’s charms. Having previously served as director of UAF’s Center for One Health Research, he boasts a solid decade of collaboration with various Sitka organizations. Talk about a guy who knows how to network! This deep-rooted connection with the community makes his recent appointment all the more exciting. He’s not just an outsider with a fancy resume; he’s a familiar face with a passion for Sitka’s unique environment and a deep respect for its people.

From Interim Leader to Captain of the Ship

Reynolds’ journey to Executive Director is practically ripped from the pages of a feel-good leadership book (think “Chicken Soup for the Research Scientist’s Soul”). He served as Interim Executive Director during Busch’s sabbatical, and let’s just say, the experience totally stoked his fire for the role. Sometimes you just gotta step up to realize you were meant to lead the charge, right?

Speaking of Busch, Reynolds sings her praises like a gospel choir, emphasizing the rock-solid foundation she built for the Science Center. It’s clear that her legacy of scientific excellence and community engagement will continue to shape the Center’s trajectory. But while Reynolds acknowledges the big shoes he has to fill, he’s clearly pumped about the opportunity to work with the center’s top-notch team and dive headfirst into engaging with the Sitka community. Dude’s got enthusiasm to spare, and frankly, it’s contagious!

Bridging Worlds: One Health and Community Collaboration

So, what’s Reynolds’ big vision for the Science Center? Well, strap in, because he’s all about this rad concept called “One Health.”

Imagine a world where human health, animal health, and environmental health are all seen as interconnected pieces of a larger puzzle. That’s the basic gist of One Health, and Reynolds is like its biggest cheerleader. He believes that by understanding the intricate links between these areas, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone (and everything). Makes you wonder why we haven’t been thinking this way all along, huh?

And here’s the really cool part: Reynolds recognizes that Indigenous knowledge systems have always understood this interconnectedness. For millennia, Indigenous communities have lived in harmony with nature, recognizing that the well-being of humans is inextricably linked to the health of the environment. Reynolds gets that, and he’s committed to tapping into that ancient wisdom to guide the Science Center’s work.