Ilisagvik College will receive $400,000 from the National Science Foundation under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to conduct a two-year research project from September 2022 to August 2024. The college will engage undergraduate and secondary school students in faculty-led research to identify and inventory potentially pathogenic bacterial species present in Arctic tundra soil in Utqiagvik, Alaska. Students will collect soil samples, conduct genetic sequencing and analysis to measure the composition and abundance of bacterial species. This work will contribute data for tracking the public health implications of changes in climate as pathogenic bacteria are released due to tundra thawing. The project aims to advance Arctic climate research while encouraging students to pursue STEM education and careers through place-based research relevant to their community.