About Dr. Sarah

 

Dr. Sarah Kopczynski
Park Scientist, Matanuska Glacier Park

Educational Background

  • Ph.D. in Glacial Sciences, Lehigh University (2009)
  • M.S. in Hydrology, University of New Hampshire (2000)
  • B.A. in Geology & Math, Colby College, Maine (1998)

About Dr. Sarah

Dr. Sarah brings over 30 years of scientific expertise to Matanuska Glacier Park, where she focuses on educating non-scientists about glacial and periglacial processes. With a deep passion for teaching, she designs engaging educational materials and programs that make complex scientific concepts accessible to all, from curious adventurers to serious researchers.

A Career Rooted in Exploration

Dr. Sarah’s journey into glacial sciences began in 1993 at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), where she first delved into research for the Department of Defense. In 1995, she conducted her first fieldwork in Alaska, and it was there—among Alaska’s glaciers, rivers, and mountains—that she found her true calling. This experience sparked a lifelong passion for Alaska's unique landscapes and cold regions around the world. She later conducted her Master’s field-research in Alaska before returning to complete her PhD, focusing her research on the Matanuska Glacier. Her PhD research was competitively funded by a NASA Graduate Research Fellowship, and a Department of Army Graduate Research Fellowship.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sarah has contributed to a broad range of research areas, including:

  • Glacial hydrology & ice dynamics
  • Remote sensing applications for snow and ice-covered regions
  • Groundwater flow in cold regions
  • Snow & permafrost hydrology
  • Surficial and bedrock studies in cold climates
  • Development of sensors for terrain mapping using aircraft and drones

Her global research experience spans Alaska, Norway, Svalbard, Switzerland, Afghanistan and beyond, generating 59 scientific and government publications.

Current Role & Contributions

In addition to her work with Matanuska Glacier Park, Dr. Sarah continues her professional role at CRREL, where she supports global cold regions research for the Department of Defense. She is involved in the evaluation and oversight of research and development awards seeking to advance scientific understanding of cold environments worldwide.

Why She Loves Sharing Science

Dr. Sarah is passionate about sharing her knowledge and engaging with people who are eager to discover the wonders of Alaska’s glacial landscapes. Her commitment to education and research helps foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world, especially in the awe-inspiring environment of Matanuska Glacier Park.

Selected Publications

These are Dr. Sarah’s three favorite Matanuska-focused contributions to glacial science:

  1. Kopczynski, S.E., Kelley, S.E., Lowell, T.V., Evenson, E.B., Applegate, P.J. (2017). Latest Pleistocene advance and collapse of the Matanuska and Knik glacier system, Anchorage Lowland, Southern Alaska. Quaternary Science Reviews, 156, 121-134.
  2. Kopczynski, S.E., Ramage, J., Lawson, D., Goetz, S., Evenson, E., Denner, J., Larson, G. (2008). Passive Microwave (SSM/I) Satellite Predictions of Valley Glacier Hydrology, Matanuska Glacier, Alaska. Geophysical Research Letters, 35.
  3. Denner, J.C., Lawson, D.E., Larson, G., Evenson, E.B., Alley, R.B., Strasser, J.C., Kopczynski, S.E. (1999). Seasonal variability in hydrologic system response to intense rain events, Matanuska Glacier, Alaska. Annals of Glaciology, Vol. 28, 267-271.