Courtney Carothers

Courtney Carothers is a Professor in the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Her research focuses on environmental anthropology, political ecology, and Indigenous stewardship in marine and fisheries systems. She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology (University of Washington, 2008), an M.A. in Anthropology (University of Washington, 2004), and a B.A. in Biology and Society (Cornell University, 2000).

Her work explores the intersection of human-environment relationships, particularly regarding Indigenous knowledge systems, fisheries management, and social-ecological change. Current projects include the Tamamta initiative to integrate Indigenous and Western sciences, the Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Stewardship (CIKS), and efforts to address salmon management inequities. She has advised numerous graduate students and secured significant NSF grants, including the CRISES planning grant (2024) and Tamamta NRT award (2020).

Her research emphasizes decolonizing science through participatory approaches, prioritizing Indigenous voices and values in decision-making. Projects like Indigenizing Salmon Science highlight her commitment to equity in fisheries governance and community resilience.