Faculty & Staff

The School for Arctic Security Studies is supported by a dedicated team of faculty and staff who bring expertise in Arctic strategy, security policy, and professional education. Our faculty includes experienced professors and curriculum developers who shape the academic foundation of our programs, while our registrar team and alumni specialist ensure a seamless experience for participants—from enrollment to lifelong professional engagement. Together, this team fosters a dynamic learning environment that prepares participants to navigate the evolving challenges of Arctic security.

Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies

Dean and Deputy Dean

  • Official photo on Matthew Bell.

    Matthew T. Bell, Jr.

    Dean of School of Arctic Security Studies

    Former Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard District, Juneau, AK, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Matthew T. Bell, Jr.…

  • The official photo of Dr. Brian Houghton

    Brian K. Houghton

    Deputy Dean

    Dr. Brian K. Houghton joined the Ted Stevens Center in October 2024. Prior to coming…

Official photo on Matthew Bell.

Matthew T. Bell, Jr.

Dean of School of Arctic Security Studies

Former Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard District, Juneau, AK, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Matthew T. Bell, Jr. joined the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies as Dean On 25 April 2022. He is responsible for the executive education program designed with the end goals of protecting the U.S. homeland, maintaining a favorable balance of power in the region, and promoting a shared approach to regional security and respect for the existing rules-based order. His thirty-six year Coast Guard career includes numerous operational tours in Alaska, including two command afloat assignments in Kodiak and most recently as the Commander, 17th Coast Guard District in Juneau where he was responsible for Coast Guard operations throughout Alaska, the North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. Dean Bell is a 1984 graduate from Northern Arizona University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He entered the Coast Guard in 1985 through Recruit Training Center Cape May and received his commission in 1986 upon graduation from Officer Candidate School. He holds a Master of Science in Chemistry awarded by Northern Arizona University in 1993 and is a graduate of Harvard University, National Preparedness Leadership Initiative.

The official photo of Dr. Brian Houghton

Brian K. Houghton

Deputy Dean

Dr. Brian K. Houghton joined the Ted Stevens Center in October 2024. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he was a Professor at Brigham Young University-Hawaii from 2006 to 2024, where he also served as the Associate Dean and then Dean of the Faculty of Business & Government from 2013 to 2021. Before working at BYU-Hawaii, he was the Director of Research at the Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, a Doctoral Fellow at the Rand Corporation, a Research Analyst at the Strategic Assessment Center, and a contract counterterrorism instructor with the Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance Program.

He holds a Ph.D. in Policy Analysis from Pardee RAND Graduate School, an M.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University, and a B.A. in International Relations from Brigham Young University.

Dr. Houghton has authored numerous publications, participated in workshops, wargames and seminars, and presented worldwide briefings on counterterrorism, security studies, and crisis management. He was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award from BYU-Hawaii in 2014.

Staff Members

  • Official photo of Dr. Sarah Aarons.

    Sarah M. Aarons

    Professor of Arctic Operational Environment Security

    Dr. Sarah M Aarons joined the Ted Stevens Center on November 4, 2024. Prior to…

  • Elizabeth E. Copes

    Participants Program Management

    Elizabeth E. Copes joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on November…

  • Official photo of Dr. Cody Dees.

    Cody Dees

    Professor of International Security

    Dr. Cody J. Dees joined the professorial ranks of the Ted Stevens Center on December…

  • Official photo of Christine Duprow.

    Christine Duprow

    Lead Curriculum Developer

    Dr. Christine L. Duprow is the Curriculum Developer for the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic…

  • Kathryn B. Friedman

    Professor of North American Arctic Policy

    Dr. Kathryn Bryk Friedman serves in a consultative capacity as the North American Arctic Policy…

  • Olga M. Gary

    Curriculum Design Support

    Olga “Olgy” M. Gary joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on…

  • Official photo of Hulsey Douglas

    Douglas M. Hulsey

    Alumni Specialist

    Douglas M. Hulsey joined the Ted Stevens Center in April 8, 2024. Prior to coming…

  • The official photo of Connor Keesecker.

    Connor N. Keesecker

    Registrar Support Services

    Connor Keesecker joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center in December 2022…

  • Official photo of Matthew Rhodes

    Matthew A. Rhodes

    Professor of International Security

    Dr. Matthew A. Rhodes joined the Ted Stevens Center in January 2024. Prior to coming…

  • Official photo of Haliehana Stepetin.

    Haliehana M. Stepetin

    Professor of Socioeconomics

    Dr. Haliehana Stepetin joined the Ted Stevens Center on August 14, 2023. Prior to coming…

  • The official photo of CAPT Joseph Grant Thomas, Jr., U.S. Coast Guard

    Joseph Thomas, Jr.

    U.S. Coast Guard Liaison & Professor

    Captain Joseph “Grant” Thomas joined the Ted Stevens Center in July 2023. Prior to coming…

  • Dwayne A. Wood

    Training and Curriculum Development

    Dr. Dwayne A. Wood joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on…

Official photo of Dr. Sarah Aarons.

Sarah M. Aarons

Professor of Arctic Operational Environment Security

Dr. Sarah M Aarons joined the Ted Stevens Center on November 4, 2024. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she was an Assistant Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her research specializes on the interplay between climate and Earth surface conditions with a focus on high latitude regions.

She holds a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from the University of Michigan (2016), a Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Michigan (2012), and a Bachelor of Science in Geological and Environmental Sciences from Stanford University (2009). Dr. Aarons works to make science more accessible and relevant to society through the development of new courses and lectures addressing the impacts of climate change on Arctic Indigenous people, and through serving as a co-author on the 5th National Climate Assessment (Chapter 2: Climate Trends).

Elizabeth E. Copes

Participants Program Management

Elizabeth E. Copes joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on November 10, 2021. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, she was a Global Events Manager who supported DOD Office of Small Business Programs & USAID hosted events on three continents. Previously, Beth applied her passion for customer engagement, service delivery & process improvement in both the government contracting (FAA & NASA) and not-for-profit administration arenas.

She holds a master’s degree in business administration.

As an advocate of Servant Leadership, Beth has invested countless hours over two decades leading community service and civic engagement organizations both as a volunteer and executive member of multiple community boards.

Official photo of Dr. Cody Dees.

Cody Dees

Professor of International Security

Dr. Cody J. Dees joined the professorial ranks of the Ted Stevens Center on December 3, 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, Dr. Dees served as an active-duty Air Force 1A8 (Airborne Linguistic Cryptologist), where he acted as a modern day “Wind Talker,” performing real-time encryption, decryption, and translation of target communications, personally ensuring the safety and success of joint force engagements within his target theatre. Following his discharge and pursuit of his academic career, Dr. Dees proceeded to establish himself within the field of educational program administration, most recently holding the position of ‘Chief of General English Curriculum’ for the Defense Language Institute English Language Center, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, where he reestablished the institute’s foundational design frameworks, recreated the flagship English Language Training pipeline, and re-drafted internal policies which reduced development costs while improving process continuity and productivity.

Dr. Dees holds an interdisciplinary Ph.D. based in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching, which has been tailored to focus on the unique sociological aspects of educational culture and in applied language contexts. Having pioneered research in Values Theory, Dr. Dees’ research has created a new awareness of the intrinsic links between values systems and the immersion and transmission of culture, particularly within cross-cultural educational settings.

When asked about his broad range of personal, academic, and professional interests, he stated that they all stem from the desire to better understand “how people people, and why.”

Official photo of Christine Duprow.

Christine Duprow

Lead Curriculum Developer

Dr. Christine L. Duprow is the Curriculum Developer for the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. As the lead curriculum developer within the team serving the center, Christine develops, plans, and executes Arctic security related course materials. Dr. Duprow is also a key part of the TSC’s work using human center design practices and facilitation. She recently completed her Doctorate in Education with an E-Learning specialization from National University. Prior to supporting the Ted Stevens Center Dr. Duprow was an Anchorage School District Department Chair and lead educator. Dr. Duprow is a transplant to Alaska via the U.S. Airforce and served for 23 years as a signals specialist and classified courier.

Kathryn B. Friedman

Professor of North American Arctic Policy

Dr. Kathryn Bryk Friedman serves in a consultative capacity as the North American Arctic Policy Advisor to the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies and as a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Canada Institute). Kathryn is a recognized foreign policy expert, with two decades of experience collaborating with and advising US, Canadian, and European government officials on security, defense, borders, and migration. Her work sits at the intersection of law, security, defense, and geopolitics. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, she served on the faculty at the University at Buffalo where she directed a law and policy program focused on North America.

Kathryn served as a Fulbright Fellow and an Abshire Inamori Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC. Kathryn has provided guest commentary in the media. She served on panels at the United Nations (World Water Week and High Level Political Forum) and at the Bled Strategic Forum. Kathryn clerked for two appellate judges and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. Kathryn has a Ph.D. with concentrations in international relations and comparative politics, and J.D., magna cum laude, with a concentration in international law.

Olga M. Gary

Curriculum Design Support

Olga “Olgy” M. Gary joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on May 17, 2023. Concurrent with supporting the Stevens Center as a curriculum developer, Olgy is the Lead Instructional Designer at Oral Roberts University, where she serves as the Quality Matters (QM) Institution Representative and Quality Assurance Specialist.

She holds a B.A. in Geology, an M.A. in Education with an emphasis on Human Performance Technology/Instructional Design and is a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration candidate with an expected graduation date of May 2024.

 

Official photo of Hulsey Douglas

Douglas M. Hulsey

Alumni Specialist

Douglas M. Hulsey joined the Ted Stevens Center in April 8, 2024. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he worked at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, leading the USAFE-AFAF Bomber Task Force for Europe and Africa.

Following his time at University of Arkansas, Hulsey commissioned into the United States Air Force where we flew the mighty B-52H Stratofortress as an Instructor Weapons Systems Officer from 2008-2020. Leaving active duty in 2015, Maj. Hulsey continued his service full time with the Air Force Reserves with his last position as the Bomber Task Force Branch Chief for USAFE-AFAF. He remains active with the USAF Reserves as an IMA at the 603d AOC, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

As proud father and husband to his family, he is also an avid hunter and fisherman and has hunted across Europe and United States. Bringing his family to work and live in Alaska, as well as the opportunity to bring other Arctic Security professionals together in his position as Alumni Program coordinator are key reasons, he has decided to call the TSC home.

The official photo of Connor Keesecker.

Connor N. Keesecker

Registrar Support Services

Connor Keesecker joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center in December 2022 as Registrar Support Services. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he served as the Communications and Research Associate for the Arctic Domain Awareness Center, a DHS Center of Excellence hosted by the University of Alaska Anchorage. He previously worked on economic development and community issues with non-profits in Anchorage.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Official photo of Matthew Rhodes

Matthew A. Rhodes

Professor of International Security

Dr. Matthew A. Rhodes joined the Ted Stevens Center in January 2024. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he served on the faculty of the George C. Marshall Center in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany and the U.S. Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.

He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He is the author of numerous articles, book chapters, and policy papers dealing with U.S. foreign policy, transatlantic relations, and European security.

Official photo of Haliehana Stepetin.

Haliehana M. Stepetin

Professor of Socioeconomics

Dr. Haliehana Stepetin joined the Ted Stevens Center on August 14, 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she was an Assistant Professor of Alaska Native Studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage on Dena’ina lands. She has served in numerous roles over the past ten years at her regional Alaska Native organizations through internships and positions at the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Development Association, the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, and the Akutan Corporation and Akutan Qigiiĝun Tribe. She has contracted as a dance, art, and Unangam Tunuu [Unangax̂ Language] instructor at culture camps in the Unangax̂ region since 2013. She has a background in museums that began at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in 2013 and continued at the Bill Holm Center for Northwest Coast Native Art at the Burke Museum in Seattle until 2018. Dr. Stepetin served as a Fire Controlman 2nd Class Petty Officer (E-5/ESWS) onboard the USS Chosin CG 65 stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI (2008-2012).

She holds a PhD in Native American Studies with a Designated Emphasis in Studies in Performance and Practice from the University of California Davis (2023), a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies from the University of Washington Bothell (2018), and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies – Russia Track with minors in Russian and Anthropology from the University of Alaska Anchorage (2016). Her dissertation titled, “Unangam Qaqamiiĝuu [Unangax̂ Subsistence] Cosmologies: Protocols of Sustainability, or Ways of Being Unangax̂,” connects environmental justice, Indigenous food sovereignty, and climate change research with, by, and for Unangax̂ and Circumpolar Arctic communities. Dr. Stepetin’s work tends to social justice and equity in research by uplifting Indigenous Knowledge and the keepers of it as valid and valued experts and scientists. She weaves together her transdisciplinary experience deeply shaped by the Unangax̂ subsistence cosmology she was raised within as an artist and scholar.

The official photo of CAPT Joseph Grant Thomas, Jr., U.S. Coast Guard

Joseph Thomas, Jr.

U.S. Coast Guard Liaison & Professor

Captain Joseph “Grant” Thomas joined the Ted Stevens Center in July 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he was the military deputy Chief of Operations (J3) at Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, FL. He is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and was commissioned in February of 2003 through Officer Candidate School. Captain Thomas holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and an M.S. in Science and Technology Intelligence, with a certificate in Denial and Deception, from the National Intelligence University in Washington, D.C.

With over eight years of sea time, Captain Thomas has conducted a wide range of Coast Guard missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, defense operations, marine environmental protection, and Intelligence Community national security activities. His prior maritime operational assignments include:

Deck Watch Officer and First Lieutenant aboard CGC BEAR (WMEC 901) in Portsmouth, VA from 2003-2005.

Commanding Officer of CGC TIGER SHARK (WPB 87359) in Newport, RI from 2005-2007.

Commanding Officer of CGC MONOMOY (WPB 1326) forward deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 2009-2010.

Commanding Officer of CGC BLOCK ISLAND (WPB 1344) in Atlantic Beach, NC from 2010-2012.

Executive Officer of CGC DOUGLAS MUNRO (WHEC 724) in Kodiak, AK from 2020-2021.

While serving as military aide to both the Coast Guard Chief of Staff and the Atlantic Area Commander from 2007-2009, he coordinated strategic and operational engagements for one of the Coast Guard’s four Vice Admirals. From 2013-2017 he served as an agent with the Coast Guard Counterintelligence Service (CGCIS) in Washington, D.C. where he was the Assistant Director for Mission Support and Executive Officer of Military Personnel. From 2017-2020 Captain Thomas was Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit Colorado where his unit was the Coast Guard Service Cryptologic Element of National Security Agency/Central Security Service Colorado. In this capacity, he supported worldwide Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and cybersecurity cryptologic activities to enable national and allied priority intelligence objectives.

Captain Thomas is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard 200-ton master mariner and a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Dwayne A. Wood

Training and Curriculum Development

Dr. Dwayne A. Wood joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on 15 May 2023. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, he held instructional design and instructor positions in the government and higher education sectors.

He holds a Doctorate in Education and a Master’s in Adult Education.

He retired from the Army after 22 years serving in many roles such as Combat Engineer, Human Resources, Special Operations Support, Senior Enlisted Advisor, and Military Science Instructor.

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