College of Health News

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

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

 |  Alison Miller  |  , , ,

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.

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

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

 |  Alison Miller  |  , , , , ,

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.

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

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

 |  Alison Miller  |  , , ,

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.

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) Read More

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

 |  Matt Jardin  |  , , ,

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.

Philippe Amstislavski crouches in the forest, smiling. He is propping up one end of a fallen tree with mushrooms growing on it, and pointing excitedly to the mushrooms. Read More

Are mushrooms the future of insulation?

 |  Maxine Joselow, Washington Post  |  , ,

Philippe Amstislavski, a scientist with a passion for sustainable innovation, is pioneering the use of mycelium insulation to help Alaska’s remote communities combat extreme cold and climate change.