Military Health and Readiness Consortium

08/07/2026

A great week for the MiHRC team at the annual Military Health System Research Symposium in Orlando, FL.

We were honored to be selected to present two research posters and had the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn from fellow researchers who share our commitment to improving the health, readiness, and resilience of our service members.

We’re proud of the working relationships we have and the work we have accomplished collaboratively. Excited for the work our team continues to do and for what’s ahead!

06/29/2026

Earlier this month, the 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, conducted Purpose Driven Leadership (PDL) training for its junior NCOs, reinforcing leadership development and readiness across the force.

As part of the training completion, Dr. James Morton, Principal Investigator for the MiHRC, presented certificates and challenge coins to the PDL instructors in recognition of their outstanding effort and commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Their dedication played a key role in the success and impact of the training.

The MiHRC team is proud to support initiatives like PDL that strengthen leadership, resilience, and mission readiness across our military partners.

Lisa Murkowski
Senator Dan Sullivan
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Institute of Arctic Biology
168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard
Alaska National Guard

06/01/2026

📢 We're Hiring! Please Share!

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is seeking a Research and Project Manager to join our team.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and support impactful research initiatives, manage projects, collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, and help drive meaningful outcomes across Alaska.

If you are an organized, motivated professional with experience in research coordination and team collaboration, we encourage you to apply.

🔗 Apply here: https://careers.alaska.edu/jobs/research-and-project-manager-fairbanks-alaska-united-states

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with your networks. We appreciate your support in helping us find a great candidate for this exciting opportunity!

The Military Health and Readiness Consortium (MiHRC) within the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is seeking a full-time Research and Project Manager to oversee the coordination and ex*****on of research activities focused on su***de prevention within the defense comm...

05/04/2026

🪖 The 49th GMD, Alaska Army National Guard, recently conducted its first iteration of Purpose Driven Leadership training at Fort Greely.

We were honored to have CSM Baker and Dr. James Morton open the training with remarks that set the tone for growth, reflection, and purpose. Their message challenged us to think more deeply about leadership, not just as a position, but as a responsibility to inspire, influence, and serve.

In partnership with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Alaska Army National Guard is investing in Purpose Driven Leadership to build resilience and empower leaders at every level. This collaboration strengthens both individual leaders and the formation as a whole.

This training is more than a course. It is an investment in people, teams, and the future of our force. Seeing leaders come together, share perspectives, and commit to improving for those they lead is what makes this work meaningful.

We look forward to the continued impact of Purpose Driven Leadership across the formation. 🤝

Lisa Murkowski
Scott Kawasaki
Alaska National Guard
Chief of the National Guard Bureau
University of Alaska Fairbanks

03/30/2026

Strong leadership isn’t accidental — it’s built with purpose.

This weekend, 10 NCOs from the 207th Aviation Troop Command, Alaska Army National Guard, completed Purpose Driven Leadership training focused on empowering leaders and strengthening resiliency across the formation. The training challenged participants to take a deeper look at what it means to lead with intention, exploring key areas such as standards and discipline, identity, values, and behaviors.

These sessions went beyond theory. They focused on developing leaders who set the example, make tough decisions, and take care of their Soldiers in any environment.

A special thank you to COL Kelsey and CSM Baker, senior leaders from the Army National Guard, for sharing their perspectives and reinforcing the importance of purposeful leadership at every level.

Investing in our NCOs is investing in the future of our force.

Lisa Murkowski
Alaska National Guard
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Institute of Arctic Biology
Center for Alaska Native Health Research
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

01/29/2026

Last week, the MiHRC team traveled to Eielson AFB to conduct the PDL POI teach backs. The sessions were productive and highlighted the strong collaboration across the team.

During the visit, MSgt Carey was recognized by Dr. Morton for her outstanding contributions and leadership as the 168th Wing NCOIC. Her dedication and professionalism continue to make a meaningful impact—well deserved recognition!

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Institute of Arctic Biology
Center for Alaska Native Health Research
168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard

11/24/2025

At U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, leadership isn’t just taught — it’s lived. Recently, 21 First Class Petty Officers stepped into a unique Purpose-Driven Leadership (PDL) experience
crafted by their own cadre team that was culturally relevant to the air station, grounded in science, and informed by research conducted to serve Alaska Native youth. The training wasn’t about slides or lectures. It was about lived experiences — real career journeys, lessons learned, and the values that define what it means to serve in the Coast Guard. Together with the Military Health and Readiness Consortium (MiHRC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the cadre co-created a curriculum that blends science with unit priorities, showing how purposeful leadership strengthens cohesion and reduces harmful behaviors. And then came a moment of symbolism: MiHRC presented an orange-painted snowshoe to CDR “Rand” Semke and CMC “Noodles” Nettles. It was a tribute — a reminder that leadership is about carrying others across difficult terrain, leaving tracks of trust, capability, and belonging. Purpose and connection, rooted in values, are what build resilient teams.

The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka has “the CONN!”

Lisa Murkowski
U.S. Coast Guard Arctic
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Institute of Arctic Biology
Center for Alaska Native Health Research

10/24/2025

It is with deep respect and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Elder and advisor, Billy Charles, on September 7th, 2025. He was a cherished member of our community whose wisdom, guidance, and kindness shaped generations.
Throughout his life, Billy carried a deep mission: to guide people toward life, resilience, and connection. He worked tirelessly to prevent the tragedy of su***de among our youth and our military service members, reminding us all that every life is precious and has purpose. His compassion reached across generations and cultures, offering both comfort and courage in times of struggle.
Equally, Billy Charles was a fierce guardian of Indigenous ways of life. He believed that by teaching his stories, languages, and traditions, we strengthen the universal roots of community and ensure future generations carry forward ancestorial wisdom. His voice and vision will remain with all who he touched, urging all to walk in balance, unity, and respect.
We honor Billy’s legacy by carrying forward the lessons he so generously shared. While we grieve this loss, we also celebrate a life well lived and the countless ways he enriched our lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his spirit. Together, we will keep his spirit and legacy alive in our hearts and in our community.

09/23/2025

This week, the MiHRC Team and our partners at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research- West (WRAIR-W) had the privilege of working alongside the United States Coast Guard at Air Station Sitka on our Purpose Driven Leadership (PDL) project.

We shared the Train-the-Trainer program with the Air Station Sitka cadre, preparing them to deliver PDL training to their enlisted Coast Guardsmen. It was inspiring to see the commitment and energy this team brings to building strong, purpose-driven leaders.

A big thank you to our partners at Air Station Sitka for their hospitality and dedication — it’s always an honor to work with you.

U.S. Coast Guard Arctic
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Institute of Arctic Biology

08/04/2025

🧭 Upcoming Lecture – Department of the Navy Office of Force Resiliency Series 🧭
Hosted by: The Office of Force Resiliency (OFR) | Department of the Navy
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 1400–1530 EDT
📍 Virtual forum—open to DON OFR and invited partners

We’re proud to announce that two of MiHRC’s leading researchers—Dr. James Morton (University of Alaska Fairbanks) and Dr. Benjamin Trachik (RAND)—will present their groundbreaking work in the upcoming DON Lecture Series focused on warfighter readiness and innovation in resilience science. 🇺🇸🧠

🎙 Topic:
Purposeful Leadership: Empowering Frontline NCOs to Enhance Readiness and Prevent Su***de through Purpose-Driven Leader Behaviors

This session will spotlight findings from MiHRC’s Purposeful Leadership Initiative, a culturally informed, community-based leadership program piloted with Soldiers in Alaska. Developed with inspiration from Alaska Native youth models, the training showed measurable reductions in su***de risk and increases in unit cohesion and combat readiness—proving the power of purpose-driven leadership at the front lines.

🔍 Learning Objectives:
• Understand the Purposeful Leadership Initiative (PLI)
• Explore key research findings from the field
• Discuss leadership-driven strategies to reduce su***de risk
• Consider future research directions and military application

📎 Meet the Speakers:
🧊 Dr. James Morton is a retired U.S. Army officer and expert in su***de prevention among Native and rural veterans.
🧠 Dr. Benjamin Trachik is a clinical psychologist and behavioral scientist advising DoD mental health initiatives.

📄 Check out the flyer below for full bios and event details!

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Institute of Arctic Biology
Center for Alaska Native Health Research