UAA Associate Professor of Public Health Philippe Amstislavski was recently awarded a J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship. He will spend spring 2021 in Tampere, Finland, working with the biomaterials group at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Headed by colleague Lisa Wikstrom, the biomaterials group works to develop bio-based alternatives to plastic.

Sharon Chamard is an associate professor in UAA's Justice Center. In this episode of "Ask a UAA Expert," she answers questions about the role of police in the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is affecting their operations.

Sharon Chamard is an associate professor in UAA's Justice Center. In this episode of "Ask a UAA Expert," she answers questions about the role of police in the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is affecting their operations.

How can we support older adults during this COVID-19 outbreak? Britteny Howell, professor of population health sciences, recommends maintaining social contact with elders, having a plan to determine what happens if they get sick, as well as keeping them aware of COVID-19-related scams.

Epidemiologic modeling with Alaska data provides support for new measures implemented by state and municipal leaders to "flatten the curve" and buy additional time for preparation.

If you have pets, Ashley O'Connor, School of Social Work assistant professor, has some tips for how to care for them during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only is it important to practice social distancing between other people and your pets, but it's also recommended to interact with them to alleviate stress. She also advises anyone considering getting a new pet to help animal shelters by fostering them.

Amana Mbise, postdoctoral fellow in the UAA College of Health School of Social Work, talks about how to support families during a crisis, including providing accurate information about how to stay safe and helping people experience normal conversations.

What is mindfulness, and how can it help us when we're caught up in our thoughts or emotions? Vanessa Meade, assistant professor in the College of Health School of Social Work, explains the importance of being in the present and recognizing habits we've created out of what we have done in the past.

University of Alaska Anchorage School of Social Work Professor Mary Dallas Allen and Term Assistant Professor Alexa Filanowicz discuss helping your family cope with school closures and provide resources for responding to children's emotional needs.

UAA students have launched the Health Professionals Student Organization to support each other and share resources as they prepare for health careers and graduate programs.