Alaska's rural and multi-cultural environment calls for multidisciplinary approaches
to defining health problems and identifying appropriate solutions. The Institute for
Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS) was established by the Alaska Legislature in 1988 to improve the health of peoples
of Alaska and other circumpolar areas through instruction, information services, and
basic and applied research in health and medicine.
Our applied research focus supports public health planning and provides opportunities
for students to gain research experience. Our faculty and staff have expertise in epidemiologic study design, quantitative and
qualitative analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), community engagement,
evaluation, and facilitation.
Alisa Konishi-Therkildsen Speech-Language Pathology program director, shares her passion for education and research after recently earning her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.
Emily McMahan, Speech-Language Pathology adjunct faculty, co-authored a new study showing real-world success in helping people manage tinnitus through a noninvasive treatment.
Grace Leu Burke, associate professor and program director of the Medical Laboratory Science program, brings a deep passion for research, diagnostic testing, and student mentorship to the classroom and beyond.
The CAFE Oh Wow (COW) Awards are put on by the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE) and honors faculty who show excellence in teaching, research/creative activity, mentorship, and more.
Rodger Lewerenz, an assistant professor in the UAA School of Nursing, is dedicated to mentoring future nurses and nurse educators, with a special passion for the MSN Leadership in Education offering.