Research

From fungi to foam

A man squatting in a forest pointing at fungi

A team led by University of Alaska Anchorage researcher Philippe Amstislavski is exploring how mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be grown into biodegradable materials that hold similar properties to Styrofoam.

Involving Alaska’s rural communities in air quality monitoring

Woman in field surrounded by tall grasses and trees

Micah Hahn, M.P.H., Ph.D., associate professor of environmental health in UAA’s Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, is the principal investigator and a co-author on a scientific paper published last month in the journal Environmental Research: Health.

UAA College of Health faculty and alumni publish report on Alaska Native disparities in Alaska jails and prisons

Handcuffs and a gavel on a book on a wooden desk

This report presents an exploratory study of racial disparities in Alaska’s correctional system, combining a review of national research with an analysis of Alaska Department of Corrections (ADOC) booking data.

Rethinking Aging: COH faculty offer new insights on mental health, culture, and community

An older man and woman are pictured standing in a gym. Both are holding small dumbbells and wearing workout clothes.

Division of Population Health Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Britteny Howell recently published two new studies that investigates the relationship between aging and mental health. Her research seeks to explore gaps in existing literature about how the experience of aging is shape by factors like social context, culture, activities, beliefs, environment, and more.

College of Health students bring applied public health research to Alaska’s statewide stage

UAA faculty and students stand in a corner of the Dena'ina Convention Center room.

In January 2026, students from the College of Health showcased their public health research at the Alaska Public Health Association Summit’s annual poster session. Their projects spanned topics ranging from food security to environmental contamination, contributing valuable insights that help shape the evolving conversation around Alaska’s public health landscape.

College of Health faculty leads the way in FASD prevention through nurse education

Dr. Corrie Whitmore stands in front of windows on the UAA campus. She is wearing glasses and smiling.

Dr. Corrie Whitmore, an associate professor in the Division of Population Health Sciences, and her team at UAA’s Center for Behavioral Health Research and Services are celebrating the recent publication of a new article. The paper, which was published in the Dec. 2025 issue of Nursing for Women’s Health, offers a framework and actionable strategies for nurses to improve communication and patient experience in discussions around substance use and contraception.

Researchers examine the role Black barbershops play as health care spaces for men

Amana Mbise stands in front of a screen with a slide that reads "Background: Barbershops and Health." He is gesturing and speaking to an audience (not pictured)

School of Social Work Assistant Professor Amana Mbise and ISER Research Assistant Professor Nathan West are exploring the relationships that Black barbershops play in men's health. Their community-based research prioritizes the lived experiences of the men they talk to, and is revealing how barbershops function not just as grooming spaces, but as social and cultural hubs.

Alaska legislature staff visit ACFTA awareness event

ACFTA team members Joanne Wiita, Angelia Trujillo, and Kathi Trawver stand in front of a mosaic, smiling.

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.

UAA Justice Center turns 50 – and receives a special award

Assistant Dean Brad Myrstol, Representative Andy Josephson, Chancellor Cheryl Siemers, and Senator Matt Claman stand side by side in front of a podium in the Havelock Simulation courtroom. Myrstol is holding the framed legislative citation.

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.

College of Health faculty and students win award for microbiology poster

Medical Laboratory Science program director Grace Leu-Burke inspects a petri dish.

A poster by Medical Laboratory Science program director Grace Leu-Burke and her team has been selected as a Blue Ribbon Finalist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 2025 Annual Meeting. The poster, “Public health risk assessment from Cryptosporidium colonization in Alaskan urban wildlife,” explores the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, a microbial parasite that infects humans and animals and causes diarrhea.

College of Health News Archive