Archive

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.

Employee Spotlight: Ambra McMillian - on dental hygiene and giving back to students

Ambra McMillian smiles at the camera in front of shelves filled with books an journals. She has shoulder length blonde hair and is wearing a green sweater.

Ambra McMillian is an Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene in the School of Therapeutic Sciences, where she combines her passion for the field with the fulfillment of guiding students as they learn and grow.

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.

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.

Alumni Spotlight: Rus'sel Sampson - bridging policy and practice

Rus'sel Sampson wears glasses and smiles at the camera.

A College of Health alumna and current employee of the Alaska Justice Information Center, Rus’sel Sampson has had a rich educational and professional journey. Her story exemplifies how a sense of curiosity in higher education can open unexpected doors that lead to meaningful careers.

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.

UAA College of Health Kicks Off 2025–2026 Interprofessional Education Series on “A Lived Experience with Disabilities”

Panelists connect via Zoom during the “A Lived Experience with Disabilities” session, offering personal testimonies and professional insights that helped students better understand the realities and opportunities within disability-related care.

Recently, on November 7, the UAA College of Health’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) Committee launched its 2025–2026 event series with a session focused on “A Lived Experience with Disabilities.”

Alumni Spotlight: Kristen Alcorn - from nursing student to business owner

Kristen Alcorn is wearing aviator sunglasses, a colorful head scarf, and blue scrubs. She is standing outside in front of a dusty white SUV labeled "Ambulance."

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.

Employee Spotlight: Dacia Davis - on teaching and finding the good

Dacia Davis stands on a snowy road in Talkeetna with trees on either side. She is wearing a multicolored knit beanie hat and a black coat and is smiling.

Dacia Davis, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Social Work and a graduate of UAA's MSW program, finds inspiration in teaching and community.
College of Health News Archive