College of Health News

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.

ACFTA team members Joanne Wiita, Angelia Trujillo, and Kathi Trawver stand in front of a mosaic, smiling. Read More

Alaska legislature staff visit ACFTA awareness event

 |  Alison Miller  |  ,

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.

Assistant Dean Brad Myrstol, Representative Andy Josephson, Chancellor Cheryl Siemers, and Senator Matt Claman stand side by side in front of a podium in the Havelock Simulation courtroom. Myrstol is holding the framed legislative citation. Read More

UAA Justice Center turns 50 – and receives a special award

 |  Alison Miller  |  , ,

The UAA Justice Center celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special legislative citation presented by Alaska state legislators. The citation recognized decades of impactful research, education, and public service in Alaska.

Medical Laboratory Science program director Grace Leu-Burke inspects a petri dish. Read More

College of Health faculty and students win award for microbiology poster

 |  Alison Miller  |  , , ,

A poster by Medical Laboratory Science program director Grace Leu-Burke and her team has been selected as a Blue Ribbon Finalist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 2025 Annual Meeting. The poster, “Public health risk assessment from Cryptosporidium colonization in Alaskan urban wildlife,” explores the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, a microbial parasite that infects humans and animals and causes diarrhea.