User Forum Summary for 2022

Toolik hosted three User Forums in the 2022 field season – one in early July and one in late July. At least 38 people attended at least one forum, including 16 staff and 22 users. More were in attendance but not recorded by notetakers.

First Forum held on 17 June 2022

Attendees (~20 total): Jason Dobkowski, Luca Keon, + more

(5+ staff & management) Donie Bret-Harte, Haley Dunleavy, Mike Reynolds, Elizabeth Travers, Faye Ethridge + more

Second Forum held on 22 July 2022

Attendees (20+ total): (13+ users) Jason Dobkowski, Will Sutor, Annie Blalock, Samira Umar, Rachel Harris, Sarah Messenger, Ali Malik, Isabel Eaton, Lexy Salinas, Brandon Yokeley, Ruby An, Helen Brush, Allie Faunce, Steve Oberbauer, Bjorn Larson + more

(7+ staff & management) Amanda Young, Chad Diesinger, Scott Filippone, Marvin Jazrawi, Wyn Douglas, Gina Carani, Isaac Aguilar

Third Forum held on 25 August 2022

Attendees (20 total): (12 users) Jason Dobkowski, Lexy Salinas, Brandon Yokeley, Ruby An, Ali Malik, Sarah Evans, Bjorn Larson, Patrick Proden, Johnny Chiang, Sahara Iverson, Jana U’Ren, Alec Leonardini

(8 staff & management) Wyn Douglas, Mike Reynolds, Brian Barnes, Marin Kuizenga, Seth Beaudreault, Kara Kornhauser, Faye Ethridge, Donie Bret-Harte

Summary

More reliable internet continued to be a high priority for users in the 2022 forums. Other requests included the conversion to solar panels or other renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, energy and water conservation in camp, more computer/office space, expanding cell service in the TFS region for contacting first responders, and mental health support services. Similar to last year, users and staff had an extended discussion on mental health. Telehealth counseling cannot be conducted across state lines. While the crisis counseling service provided by NSF and UC Anschutz is a valuable resource, it doesn’t provide preventive mental health services, which many users rely on in their daily lives. TFS will work on a mental health resource list for station residents.

Smaller requests involved science-, community-, and safety-oriented resources that were readily addressed. We also received three suggestions for new common-use equipment (leaf scanner, new trolleys for boardwalk, 3D printer for fabrication).