According to Dr. Sara Buckingham, Assistant Professor of the Psychology Department Faculty, “One of the most rewarding aspects of my work at UAA is the research I get to conduct with the many diverse communities who live on Dena'ina land. My research projects are formulated with community partners, originating from community asks in response to needs they perceive. By doing work with many community stakeholders, I'm able to design and conduct more useful, relevant research that has many practical implications for our communities.”

Throughout her time at the University of Alaska Anchorage, and her time at her various alma maters, Dr. Buckingham has focused her research on culture and well-being of migrant populations. Her research interests include areas such as psychological sense of community; empowerment, resilience, and resistance to oppression; culturally responsive, evidence based behavioral health services for forced migrant populations, and so much more. Professor Buckingham is also a part of several research groups focused on refugees and immigrants – specifically forced migrants – the impact of the community they move into, and how this all impacts mental health.

Engaging with and participating in research that gives back to the community is essential to Dr. Buckingham. Since her appointment with the College of Arts and Sciences, Professor Buckingham has shifted her focus to also include the Alaska Native student population, including the development of the Cultural Identity Project, which is an Elder-led program at UAA that centered on Alaska Native Students’ cultural identity development. When talking about her research, Professor Buckingham discussed how her ongoing research connects to the work that she has done previously, stating that, “My research centers on how communities and systems shape acculturation. I examine how people navigate acculturation in context and its impacts on their wellbeing. My work is largely with international migrants and also extends to other groups whose cultures have been suppressed through systemic efforts, such as Alaska Native peoples. Through my community-engaged research, I aim to support the co-creation of community spaces that promote inclusion and liberation of all community members.”