Student Stories

Student Spotlight: Lisa Reed - From flowers to medical coding

uaa campus flowers

School of Allied Health student Lisa Reed is a lifelong Alaskan and former floral manager, now pursuing a career in medical coding.

Student Spotlight: Ky Martin- Combining public health passion with real-world experience

Ky Martin tabling for the Mental Health Resource Fair at the Spenard Recreation Center.

DPHS student Ky R. Martin is passionate about empowering the community through HIV prevention, education and inclusive public health outreach.

Alaska WWAMI student juggles medical school, raising three kids with unstoppable determination

wwami student and family

Alaska WWAMI student juggles medical school, raising three kids with unstoppable determination.

‘Tomorrow — remember you are still a learner’

2025 Spring Commencement

Darren Tivnan, valedictorian and radiologic technology graduate, speaks at commencement May 7, 2025, at Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer, Alaska.

Homer nursing students take part in collaborative health event

School of Nursing students presenting at Kachemak bay Campus

Nursing students from UAA and UNH joined South Peninsula Hospital in Homer to share insights on public health issues like shellfish poisoning and tick-borne illness.

Harnessing the power of community

Albiona Selimi spring 2025 commencement speaker smiling with scenic bakground

Spring 2025 undergraduate commencement speaker Albiona Selimi is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and minors in women’s studies and justice—on her way to practicing law at a civil rights organization.

Student Spotlight: Adrianna Doty- Dentistry and trusting the process

Adrianna Doty in the Dental Clinic providing dental care to a child

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene student Adrianna Doty is dedicated to improving the patient experience by easing dental anxiety and building confidence.

Student Spotlight: Sarah Brueckner- From homeschooling to future trauma nurse

Sarah Brueckner at the Run Fest Marathon holding up 3 fingers to indicate her third marathon complete

School of Nursing student Sarah Brueckner shares her journey of resilience, lifelong learning, and pursuing her dream of becoming a trauma nurse.

Student Spotlight: Keyshon China – Advocating for youth and underserved communities

Keyshon China blueberry picking in the mountains

MSW student Keyshon China is dedicated to serving youth and underserved communities, gaining hands-on experience through UAA's School of Social Work and various extracurricular organizations.

Student Spotlight: Elaina Mack - A slam dunk in sports and studies

Elaina Mack hold basketball in UAA uniform

Elaina Mack, a student in the School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences, is a dedicated UAA women's basketball player, balancing academics and athletics as she pursues her goal of becoming an athletic trainer.

College of Health News Archive