Mei is a second‑year Microbiology student at the University of Victoria, also pursuing a minor in childhood development psychology. Outside the classroom, she pours her energy into supporting young people — coaching gymnastics and volleyball, working with children at the YMCA, and volunteering at her local public health clinic. She even founded a free tutoring program that pairs university students with grade‑school learners for weekly one‑on‑one support.
Her curiosity for science led her to microbiology, where she fell in love with studying viruses, the immune system, and hands‑on lab work. She’s also involved in biomedical engineering research, from 3D‑printed muscle cell molds to AI‑based hydrogel modeling. This summer, she’ll be contributing to vaccine research through the BC Children’s Hospital Research Summer Studentship Award.
Mei shares that the Ulakaia Center scholarship has been transformative — covering nearly all her tuition, supporting her technology needs, and giving her the freedom to take additional courses and focus on volunteering and research without financial stress.
Looking ahead, Mei hopes to become a physician serving underserved communities, especially Indigenous populations. She plans to continue her work in youth mentorship, contribute to research addressing health disparities, and eventually give back to the Ulakaia Center by supporting future Indigenous students pursuing careers in science and medicine.
We’re incredibly proud to support Mei on her journey. Her dedication, compassion, and drive to uplift her community embody the spirit of the Ulakaia Center.
Elaina Mack
Meet Elaina Mack, our UC Spotlight from King Cove, AK! This May, Elaina graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor’s in Applied Technologies Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a minor in Athletic Training. During her time at UAA, she was a valuable member of the UAA Women’s Basketball team and was recognized as Breakout Athlete of the Year for her 2024-25 season and had the #1 all-time at UAA for 3-pointers per game! Elaina is proud to have represented her home state and community through the sport that has taught her countless life lessons and brought her to amazing places around the world.
The Ulakaia Center Scholarship has greatly supported her in reaching her academic and long-term career goals. Elaina states, “Juggling academics and athletics was often a challenge for me, especially when I first got to college. However, through discipline and keeping my end-goal in mind, I was able to persevere and come out with such an awarding experience that I will cherish forever.”
Her proudest accomplishments academically at UAA include 3x Academic All-Conference and 4x Academic Letter Winner. Athletically, her proudest accomplishments include serving as a team captain for three seasons; winning the 24–25 GNAC Championship; earning GNAC Honorable Mention All-Conference honors in both the 24–25 and 25–26 seasons; being named to the 2025 Great Alaska Shootout All-Tournament Team; leading the conference in three pointers made during the 25–26 season; ranking #1 on UAA’s all time three pointers made per game list (2.12); receiving the UAA Athletic Department’s Breakout Athlete of the Year award for the 24–25 season; and tying the program record with a 41 point game.
Looking ahead, Elaina hopes to give back to her own and other Alaskan communities by providing yearly basketball camps to share her knowledge and inspire the next generation to work hard and chase their dreams.
To younger students, I’d like to share that nothing worth having comes easily. Juggling academics and athletics was often a challenge for me, especially when I first got to college. However, through discipline and keeping my end-goal in mind I was able to persevere and come out with such an awarding experience that I will cherish forever.
Elaina says she was fortunate to attend this University and have unwavering support from my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and mentors. She highly encourages students to surround themselves with uplifting people that see your potential and won’t let you settle for less than your best.
Awam ix̂amnaa! Good job!