Student Stories

Rural Alaska to rural Peru: UAA students gain a global perspective on healthcare

Five people pose in front of a historical site and mountainous background

For a group of University of Alaska Anchorage nursing and social work students, a journey to the mountains of rural Peru wasn't about providing healthcare; it was about learning from communities that face many of the same challenges as rural Alaska.

Student Spotlight: Ku'Ikaika Calderon on interning in D.C.

Man in suit throwing the shaka hand gesture

Legal Studies and Criminology major, Ku'Ikaika Calderon, completed an internship with Senator Dan Sullivan in Washington, D.C.

Student Spotlight: Pamela Thomas - on connecting research, community, and health

Woman standing by research poster board

For Pamela Thomas, health begins with connection--connection to family, community, culture, land, and the systems that shape our everyday life.

‘It’s a calling’: 70 UAA students earn nursing degrees days before National Nurse Week

School of Nursing graduate smiling holding their degree

Seventy students earned their bachelor's nursing degrees from the University of Alaska Anchorage this week as the country recognizes National Nurses Week.

Student Spotlight: Monica Roe - on exploring disability through research and children's literature

Monica Roe sits in a yellow lawn chair in an open outdoor space in front of a tree. She is wearing a tank top and sunglasses and smiling.

Monica Roe has built a remarkable career that bridges rural health care and children’s literature, drawing on her decade of experience as a physical therapist in remote Alaska. Now completing her Master of Public Health at UAA, she explores disability, community resilience, and access through both research and storytelling. Her journey highlights the power of curiosity, mentorship, and embracing unexpected opportunities.

COH graduate student commencement speaker Stacy Brunquist: Special delivery

Stacy Brunquist stands in front of a wall of windows in the UAA Spine. She is wearing a pink and white patterned shirt and smiling at the camera.

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.

COH student commencement speaker Maisha Chowdhury: "Believe in yourself and show up"

Maisha Chowdhury stands in front of a wall of windows on in the University's Spine. She is wearing a white patterned dress and smiling at the camera.

Health sciences major and psychology minor Maisha Chowdhury describes choosing to attend UAA as the best decision of her life (so far) and for making her the person she is today. The fall 2025 undergraduate commencement speaker hopes her own journey inspires others to take risks and follow their passion.

Student Spotlight: Wendy DeGraffenried – on following your passion and practicing self care

Wendy stands next to a poster titled "School Nurse" at the 2024 "Stuff the Bus" event.

Master of Nursing Education and Leadership student Wendy DeGraffenried reflects on her educational and professional journey. As a school nurse and adjunct instructor, Wendy found her passion in mentoring other nursing professionals – something that she hopes to carry forward with her as she starts a new chapter.

Honoring heritage: Laura Aspelund’s journey in medicine and mentorship

Laura Aspelund stands in front of the mirrored Heath Satow sculpture on the UAA campus. She is smiling and wearing a red kuspuk.

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.

Kinesiology major Elaina Mack shatters Seawolf record in rout over Northwest

Elaina Mack wears her UAA jersey (#20) and stands holding the Alaska State Flag by the upper corners behind her back.

Elaina Mack, a senior kinesiology major from King Cove, broke school records with 10 successful three-point shots in the Seawolves game against Northwest U. Mack scored a total of 41 points over the course of the game.

College of Health News Archive