The Observer, September 2007
Community Corner: Science committee vet calls it quits
By Linda Robinson, Outreach Coordinator
Citizens are making a difference. And one who has made a big difference in the council’s work is AJ Paul, who joined the Scientific Advisory Committee in 1990. AJ recently resigned from the committee after serving on it for 17 years. I am using this column to thank AJ for his commitment to the council and to tell you a little about him.
AJ’s specialties are biological oceanography and physiology and bioenergetics of fish and invertebrate species. He graduated with a Ph.D. from Hokkaido University in 1987 and is often referred to as the father of the council’s Long-Term Environmental Monitoring Program. He worked with the Institute of Marine Science, School of Fisheries and Oceans Sciences, in Seward and in Fairbanks.
Before retiring from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, AJ and his wife, Judy (who currently sports purple stripes in her hair), made lists of what they wanted for a retirement location. AJ got onto the computer and found property in Junction, Texas, that suited their desires and purchased land from the historic YO Ranch. The YO used to be exclusively a Longhorn cattle ranch but now raises exotic animals as well, some of which can be hunted on the ranch.
AJ built a rock home and a guest house, and recently completed a studio for his wife, who is a painter and jewelry artist. They spend summers in Fairbanks with their two grandsons, and winters on the ranch.
AJ, or “buff dude,” as Judy likes to call him since he’s been weightlifting, spends time organizing parties on the ranch, and shopping at Value Village for Hawaiian and cowboy shirts (no polyester, thank you.) His current ranch projects include habitat rehabilitation, and landscaping. Judy, an artist, is currently doing metalwork. She recently showed Lisa Ka’aihue and me a copper vessel and a silver one, and beautiful silver jewelry she had made, including crafting the chains on the necklaces.
AJ always felt that the council’s mission was very important and he enjoyed volunteering for the Scientific Advisory Committee. He was known for keeping discussions on task and focused. When AJ stated, “If I were the emperor…,” everyone knew he was going to provide a clear path forward on some scientific question or process.
AJ will be greatly missed. Volunteers like him are what make PWSRCAC effective–they are willing to share their expertise and personalities to fulfill the council’s mission.
Below TOP: AJ Paul had served on the Scientific Advisory Committee 17 years when he retired this summer. As a true scientist, he often sported a stylish pocket protector when he visiting the council offices for committee meetings. BOTTOM: AJ feeds the giraffes on the YO Ranch, where he and his wife, Judy, spend their winters now that they’ve retired. The YO raises cattle as well as exotic animals like these giraffes.
