Division of Population Health Sciences at UAA

07/22/2026

Health is often measured through statistics, diagnoses, and outcomes. For Pamela Thomas, health begins with something more fundamental: connection—connection to family, community, culture, land, and the systems that shape our everyday life.

It is this understanding that inspired her to pursue the University of Alaska Anchorage's dual Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) program, where she has discovered that meaningful change happens when research, clinical practice, and community engagement come together.

Read more about Pamela's experience in the MSW/MPH dual-degree program 👉 tinyurl.com/2026-thomas-spotlight

07/01/2026

After 18 years of service, Professor of Public Health Dr. Virginia "Jenny" Miller has retired. Since joining UAA in 2008, Dr. Miller has made a lasting impact on the community through her leadership, scholarship, mentorship, and commitment to improving public health across Alaska.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Miller on her retirement! 👏

Read more about Dr. Miller's retirement on our blog ➡ tinyurl.com/2026-dr-miller-retirement

06/11/2026

In May, the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS) proudly co-sponsored the Pathways to Recovery Conference hosted by the State of Alaska’s Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention (OSMAP). The conference is a pivotal statewide event focused on addressing the unique challenges of substance use and behavioral health in Alaska by bringing together professionals, community leaders, advocates, and researchers to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and connection to care across the state.

Read more about the conference on our blog ➡ tinyurl.com/2026-pathways-to-recovery

05/20/2026

Interested in part-time teaching for the Health Sciences undergraduate program in the Fall? If so, please apply here before July 1! We have openings for the following in-person courses on the UAA campus:

HS 210: Intro to Environmental Health
HS 220: Intro to Population Health Sciences
HS 230: Intro to Global Health
HS 370: Social & Cultural Determinants of Health
HS 433: Health Education: Theory & Practice

The College of Health (COH), one of seven UAA schools and colleges, is a major center for development and delivery of professional, career and technical, community, and continuing education programs. In keeping with the mission of the University of Alaska, the COH has a commitment to innovation and....

05/08/2026

Today, the Division of Population Health Sciences said goodbye to Associate Professor Kristin Stoepler, who has served the division for the past 7 years and as Health Sciences Program Chair for the last 3 years. Throughout her time at UAA, Kristin has been a passionate advocate for student success, workforce development, community engagement, and health education. Her impact on students, colleagues, and community partners will be felt for years to come. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and leadership and wish her the very best in her next chapter.

At the same time, we are excited to welcome Dr. Britteny Howell into the role of Program Chair. Dr. Howell has already been hard at work advancing initiatives focused on supporting Alaska’s aging population, expanding aging-related curriculum, and establishing UAA’s first Healthy Aging Research Laboratory. We look forward to the continued growth and innovation she will bring to the program and division.

Please join us in thanking Kristin for her years of service and congratulating Dr. Howell on her new leadership role!

05/05/2026

Celebrating this incredible group of health science graduates alongside our dedicated faculty (left to right): Dr. Fried, Dr. Howell, Assistant Dean Dr. Hedwig, Program Chair Associate Professor Stoepler, and Dr. Corrie Whitmore.

Some of these graduates are stepping into the public health workforce while others will continue their education as future healthcare providers.

Image description: A group of graduates wearing caps and gowns stand in a row holding diploma covers, smiling at the camera. Faculty members in academic regalia stand behind them. The group is posed indoors in front of a dark curtain during a commencement celebration.

05/02/2026

This is such a special weekend as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Health Sciences undergraduate students, Gerontology certificate students, and Public Health graduate students! 🎓

We are so proud of all that you’ve accomplished and for your dedication to a future focused on improving health outcomes for all!

Family, friends, and community members can learn more about commencement weekend and how to watch the ceremonies live on Facebook here:
https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/commencement/index.cshtml

04/26/2026

A Recap of Friday’s Community Engagement Forum ✨

It was inspiring to see our Health Sciences practicum students and Public Health Graduate CESA student share their project experiences and engage with the community.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing community partners who made this semester possible by welcoming our students and mentoring them along the way. We are especially grateful to:

Special Olympics Alaska
Alaska Literacy Project
Anchorage Senior Activity Center
Center for Safe Alaskans
UAA Seawolf Food Pantry
Southwest Maternal Health Community Advisory Board Members

Because of you, our students gained hands-on experience and contributed to meaningful public health efforts across Alaska.

04/06/2026

📣 National Public Health Week begins TODAY!

From April 6–12, the College of Health is joining communities across the country in taking action to strengthen public health and advance equity. This year’s theme — “Ready. Set. Action!” — is all about stepping up for healthier communities in Alaska and around the world.

We’ve lined up a week of events, conversations, and activities you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, community partner, or simply passionate about public health, there’s something for you to be part of.

🔗 Explore the full lineup: https://bit.ly/3Q82or4

04/02/2026

National Public Health Week is right around the corner! Check out the variety of upcoming events on our website: https://bit.ly/3Q82or4

The College of Health is excited to celebrate National Public Health Week, which takes place April 6–12, 2026!

This year’s theme is “Ready. Set. Action!” — a powerful call to strengthen community health, advance equity, and build a healthier future for all. 💪🌍

Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting a series of events designed to spark conversation, inspire action, and support the well‑being of communities across Alaska.

🔗 Explore the full lineup on the COH calendar: https://bit.ly/3Q82or4