The Division of Population Health Sciences (DPHS) prepares students to confront the
root causes of health challenges in Alaska and across the circumpolar North. Through
a blend of education, research, and community partnership, DPHS empowers students
to create lasting change in population health and to lead efforts that strengthen
the well-being of communities statewide and beyond.
Programs in the Division of Population Health Sciences
Unlike clinical care, which focuses on individuals, population health looks at the
big picture—improving health outcomes across communities through policy, prevention,
and systems-level solutions. It includes:
Public Health: Promoting wellness, preventing disease, and advancing health equity.
Community Health: Strengthening local environments and connecting people to care and
resources.
Join us to make an impact that goes beyond treating illness to help build healthier
communities from the ground up.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Meet the public health challenges of an aging society, including providing competent
care in medical settings and essential community resources and end-of-life support.
Set up a successful career in health education and health promotion, public and community
health, disease prevention, rehabilitation, or health care delivery.
As a neonatal nurse practitioner at Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital and adjunct faculty member for the UAA School of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice alumna and graduate student hooding ceremony speaker for the fall Class of 2025 Stacy Brunquist weaves education into everything she does — training new caregivers, guiding parents learning to care for their newborns, and sharing knowledge with professionals from Utqiaġvik to Sitka.
On Nov. 13, the College of Health hosted a legislative event highlighting the Alaska Comprehensive Forensic Training Academy (ACFTA) in the Health Sciences Building. Co-led by Nursing Professor Angelia Trujillo, D.N.P., and Social Work Professor Kathi Trawver, Ph.D., the event brought together health care professionals, community partners, and legislators to learn more about ACFTA’s mission.
Laura Aspelund is a second-year medical student in the Alaska WWAMI program. As a medical student mentor in the Alaska Native into Oncology (ANION) program, she helps guide Alaska Native high school and college students exploring careers in medicine.
School of Nursing alumna Kristen Alcorn turned clinical expertise into entrepreneurial success. In this spotlight, Kristen shares a few of the experiences that shaped her journey in nursing, the things she loves about her job, and how her education at UAA helped her achieve her goals.
The UAA Justice Center celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special legislative citation presented by Alaska state legislators. The citation recognized decades of impactful research, education, and public service in Alaska.
Researchers in our lab are working to solve the global plastic pollution problem by
developing insulation that is recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable.
Housed under the Office of Research, ICHS partners closely with us while conducting applied research that supports public health
and offers valuable research experience for students.
