Sitka Sound Science Center

As a platform for research, Sitka Sound Science Center has much to offer scientist working in the area.

• Logistical support: Our research staff can provide an array of logistical support to make your field work run smoother. We can help you locate the equipment and gear you might need to purchase, rent or borrow while you are in Sitka. We can assist with local travel arrangements that require boat or plane charters and connect you with housing.
• Local knowledge: Our local staff can advise on good boat anchorages, camp sites, trails, weather and routes to remote locations, where to shop for gear, groceries and where to eat and how to navigate our rural and Alaska Native community.
• Bench space: our research lab has benches you and your small team can inexpensively rent for sorting specimens and gear, using microscopes, a dry space to do data entry or analysis, and make phone calls etc.
• Wet lab space: Our wet lab has salt and freshwater systems, with containers, round ponds and aquaria, energy systems and an environment that allows for flexibility in experimental set up.
• Scientific equipment: we have an array of microscopes, glassware and some basic chemicals for scientific experimental work.
• Vehicles: SSSC has trucks, a van, kayaks, a zodiac and bikes
• Storage: SSSC has storage space for your equipment so you can leave it here between field seasons and have packages delivered directly to our facility.
• Office support: Wi-Fi, printers, copy machines, office supplies and equipment.
• Field work equipment: We can lease you camping, snorkeling, waders and rain gear.
• Dive support: We have a compressor, dive tanks, a dive locker, indoor and outdoor gear rinsing showers, and indoor drying areas, washer and dryer, as well as a certified dive safety officer.
• Community engagement opportunities: we can connect your research to the community through a variety of community partnerships and outlets as well as educational venues.
• Chemical and specimen storage: we have a minus 20 freezer and chemical lockers.
• Safety Training: We can arrange bear, boat, CPR and first aid training for working safely in Southeast Alaska remote conditions.
• Machine and Wood Shop: Our Mill building has a complete wood shop with welding fabrication capabilities as well.
• Library: The Steward Library at SSSC is a small collection of Alaska natural history and natural science references books that offers a quiet place to study, reflect or meet with others.

Community engagement: As a community-based field station we put a premium on community engagement. We coordinate a breadth of community outreach activities and science education programs. As part of your planning process, our education staff can meet with you to plan activities that will allow you to share your enthusiasm and research with our community helping you make “broader impacts” with your work.  As part of our commitment to outreach, we require every scientist (and grad student and postdoc) who utilizes our facility to attend one of our short science communication trainings which exposes scientists to basic communication concepts and introduces them to our community.