Dr. Ray Macfarlane is AUUF’s new Director of Learning and Exploration. Before coming to Alaska, Ray taught and conducted research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where they earned a Ph.D. in Sociology. While pursuing their Ph.D., Ray connected with UU congregations in Ogden, Chicago, and Las Vegas and found opportunities that inspired them and made a difference in people’s lives, including creating a support group for queer youth in rural Utah, teaching in youth programs, and working with The Night Ministry to build community and bring resources to people experiencing homelessness. Ray has worked in advocacy and education for the past 20 years: anti-violence work in domestic violence and LGBTQIA+ services, economic justice supporting access to careers, education, leadership opportunities, and housing for underrepresented populations, and evaluating mental health and addiction services. Ray grew up in Southern Utah, hiking barefoot in the red rock and rolling down the pink dunes. They look forward to exploring their new home in Alaska with their partners, Joe and Martin, and their children, Sagan and Rhonan.