The Division of Population Health Sciences (DPHS) includes the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, an undergraduate minor in Public Health, the Master of Public Health program, a Graduate Certificate in Public Health and an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Gerontology. Advancing health sciences through the educational opportunities of academic training, research, and community service to improve the well-being of the diverse peoples of Alaska and the circumpolar north.
Population health sits at the intersection of medicine and public health spanning the social sciences. Population health explores the social factors that influence health using an evidence based approach and community engagement to reduce disparities, measure health needs and implement effective health innovations.
Set up a successful career in health education and health promotion, public and community health, disease prevention, rehabilitation, or health care delivery.
Meet the challenges of the diverse and complex field of public health, with a particular focus on the needs of Alaska and the Circumpolar North.
Alaska is prepared to handle harsh winter weather, but climate change has triggered a new threat – heat. Micah Hahn with the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS) is teaming with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Alaska branch to develop the state’s first hot weather warning system based on the local temperature threshold.
Historically, ticks haven’t been a problem in Alaska. But factors like climate change and tourism have created a welcoming environment for new species that can transmit illnesses to humans. Micah Hahn with the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies is tracking them. “Our work over the past six years is to understand the baseline–where we are with the ticks that exist in Alaska.”
As the demand for sustainable and organic insulation solutions continues to grow Philippe Amstislavski, Ph.D. and professor of Public Health is working on an innovative multidisciplinary project that could solve Arctic communities building insulation issues.
UAA Associate Professor of Environmental Health Micah Hahn is leading a research project around climate change, health, wildfire smoke and environmental justice in Alaska that recently received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
At UAA, computer science Professor Shawn Butler has been using machine learning to debunk COVID-19 misinformation on social media. Butler’s efforts are part of the Division of Population Health Sciences and Department of Journalism and Public Communication’s mission to combat COVID-19 misinformation on public-facing Facebook pages with scientifically accurate information from credited sources through its ongoing Alaska Public Health Information Response Team project.
The Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies
Our applied research focus supports public health planning and provides opportunities for students to gain research experience.
Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies
The CAAS was established by the Board of Regents in 1972 to address the problem of substance misuse in Alaska.
Our team works to understand the shifting sociocultural landscape for aging adults and identify service needs to facilitate healthy aging-in-place.
Researchers in our lab are working to solve the global plastic pollution problem by developing insulation that is recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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CONTACT US:
907-786-6545
dphs@alaska.edu
LOCATION:
UAA Div. of Population Health Sciences
UAA Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Dr., Suite 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
MAILING ADDRESS:
UAA Div. of Population Health Sciences
3211 Providence Dr., PSB 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
