Getting Involved With US AON
US AON is a fundamentally collaborative effort, and we welcome your input and involvement. Please request an IARPC Collaborations account and join our next Observations Community of Practice meeting, or reach out via email with any questions, comments, or to connect further.
US AON Staff
Sandy Starkweather
Executive Director
Sandy Starkweather is the Executive Director for the US Arctic Observing Network. With a joint background in engineering (energy systems, renewables, conservation), earth science (Arctic climatology) and science policy, Sandy has worked in a consulting engineering capacity, university research, project management and planning. During this time, she spent twelve years traveling to/from Greenland to either participate in or support Arctic field research. Sandy has combined her experiences to advance coordination among independently funded, flagship Arctic observatories for the IASOA consortium and to advance the implementation of the U.S. Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee's (IARPC) Five Year Plan for Arctic Research. She maintains a strong interest in improving the effectiveness of the Arctic research enterprise, particularly in situ observational research, through building stronger collaborations among all parties (stakeholders) who benefit from sustained Arctic observing.
Hazel Shapiro
Program Analyst
Hazel Shapiro joined the US AON team in 2020, where she coordinates projects, manages strategic communications, and supports the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC) secretariat. With a degree in Earth Sciences from Dartmouth College and an MBA from CU Boulder's Leeds School of Business, Hazel brings an adaptable skillset focused on organizational strategy, collaborative project management, and partner engagement. She is committed to building strong relationships across federal, academic, and Arctic community partners and facilitating processes that advance Arctic observing systems. Her work includes leading interdisciplinary communities of practice, developing assessment tools, and creating communications that bridge technical expertise with broader audiences. Hazel values integrity, thoughtful collaboration, and centering community voices in Arctic research. She lives in Denver, CO on the unceded land of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Núu-agha-tuvu-pu (Ute) people.
US AON Board
Thorsten Markus
(chair)
Aimee Neeley
Lauren Culler
(co-chair)
Roberto Delgado
David Allen
(co-chair)
Pending
Pending
Sally McFarlane
Brian Melzian
Matthew Kastrinsky
Scott Harper
Pending
Pending
Additional support
Interns: Taylor Rijos (2024), Ryan Witten (2024), Tyler Lericos (2025)
Expert Committee on Methods (2022-2024): Andy Barrett, Bill Manley, Cindy Garcia-Eidell, Jason Gallo, Kaare Erickson, Karen Boniface, Margaret Rudolf, Natasha Haycock-Chavez, Sara Morris, Susa Gartler, Talia Wells, Vanessa Raymond, Emily Sylak-Glassman.