Marsik and Koplin inducted into the Alaska Innovators Hall of Fame
February 27, 2026
By Yuri Bult-Ito
Tom Marsik and Clay Koplin have been inducted into the Alaska Innovators Hall of Fame.
Tom Marsik and Clay Koplin have been inducted into the Alaska Innovators Hall of Fame, recognized for their outstanding contributions to energy innovation in Alaska.
Marsik was honored for his work on cold-climate building energy efficiency. He is a professor of sustainable energy at the UAF Bristol Bay ϳԹ and ACEP and has a joint position with the National Lab of the Rockies’ Alaska ϳԹ.
According to ACEP Director Jeremy Kasper, who nominated him, Marsik has “developed impactful technologies that improve energy efficiency in cold regions.”
Tom Marsik works on developing an active vacuum insulation system for buildings.
One notable example is the Arctic heat recovery ventilator hood, which Marsik and his team developed from concept to manufacture. This innovation not only enhances residential indoor air quality but also helps reduce energy costs. Marsik’s team is also working on bringing vacuum-insulated panels to market for widespread use, further advancing energy-saving technologies for buildings in cold climates.
Kasper highlighted Marsik's collaborative spirit and dedication to solving real-world challenges.
“[Tom and his team] embody a willingness to tackle complex problems, not just accept the status quo,” he said.
Koplin, CEO of and a Ph.D. student at UAF, was recognized for transforming energy resilience in Cordova.
In his nomination, Peter Webley, director of the UAF Center for Innovation and a 2017 Hall of Fame inductee, praised Koplin’s innovative efforts. “Clay is always seeking new ways to meet his community’s energy needs and bring innovative projects to Cordova and Alaska.”
Koplin’s work at CEC includes integrating clean energy sources, such as hydroelectric power and battery energy storage, into the local grid while managing energy loads. Webley described his efforts as “forward-thinking” and essential for building sustainable energy communities across Alaska.
Clay Koplin, second from left, explains Cordova Electric Cooperative’s power grid to a CEC customer, middle, in the Cordova Harbor before a tour of the Humpback Creek hydroelectric project.
Gwen Holdmann, ACEP’s chief scientist and a 2015 Hall of Fame inductee, echoed Webley’s praise.
“[Clay’s] creativity isn’t confined to one field; it’s simply how he moves through the world,” she said.
The Alaska Innovators Hall of Fame, established in 2014 by the Alaska State Committee for Research, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to innovation in Alaska.
Marsik and Koplin join Doug Goering, a professor and dean emeritus at UAF, who is honored for his leadership and dedication to applied engineering in cold regions, as the 2026 inductees.